Friday, March 11, 2011 12:13pm ET by  
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Ex-Iron Maiden frontman jailed for benefit fraud

The former frontman of Iron Maiden, Paul Di'Anno, has been given a nine-month prison sentence for claiming £45,000 in income, housing and council tax benefits whilst actively touring. 

Di'Anno, real name Paul Andrews, was a member of the heavy metal band from 1978-1981, but following his departure continued with his own music career that saw him play to crowds across the world. 

His original claim that a previous leap from a stage had left his leg damaged and therefore was unable to work, was proven to be false after footage appeared on YouTube of the 52-year old rocker performing live. 

After being prosecuted at Salisbury Crown Court, Steven Ritter, defending, said:

"Your public persona is not relevant. Your greed has cost this country a lot of money. The claims were for a long time and for a large cost. It must be a custodial sentence."

"In 2002 you started claiming benefits when it was quite clear you were already working. It took many years to track you down. In 2007 you performed at 69 venues, in 2006 you performed 67 times."

Watch Di'Anno's recent performance at New Jersey's Stone Pony venue here: