Ex-Iron Maiden singer faces prison for benefit fraud

Former Iron Maiden frontman Paul Di'Anno pleaded guilty to eight counts of benefit fraud last Thursday (February 10) at Salisbury Crown Court.

The singer, who told authorities that he'd suffered severe nerve damage to his back and was unable to work fraudulently claimed £45,479 in benefits from The Department Of Work And Pensions between 2002 and 2008 while he continued to perform.

Judge Andrew Barnett told Di'Anno that he should brace himself for a prison sentence.

"You have got the sense and courage to plead guilty to these matters, but you have to understand that they are very serious,: he said. "Although all sentence options will be open, you should prepare yourself for a prison sentence, and an immediate one at that."

Di'Anno is set to be sentenced on March 11.

Tags: Iron Maiden

Posted by Dan at 01:21PM | February 14, 2011

HOW has it taken them this long to bring it to court!? All they had to do was look at his website and see he's been pretty much constantly touring!

He should be sent to prison for it, maybe it'll show some people that you won't get away with it in the long run!

Posted by Andy | February 14, 2011 1:49 PM | Reply to this

Legend!

Id rather a rock star claim my taxes than some single parent cunt who has neevr done a thing with her life!

Posted by Kian | February 14, 2011 3:00 PM | Reply to this

Guess he's not Running Free any more then.....

Posted by Ryan | February 14, 2011 8:55 PM | Reply to this

Kian, you're an idiot.

Posted by Peter | February 15, 2011 11:45 AM | Reply to this

I second Peters comment. Legend my rear end, a f**k up more like it. Glad he was sacked from Maiden so that a true Legend could be brought in to the spotlight of glory, the legend is Bruce.

UP THE IRONS!!! \m/

Posted by Magnus | February 15, 2011 6:15 PM | Reply to this

let him do community service it saves money and helps people who need helping

Posted by fred | February 15, 2011 6:18 PM | Reply to this

Quite frankly, given the state he's now in both physically AND vocally, the only way he can make money IS to claim benefits! If I saw him performing live, I would probably want a refund!
Before any of you make abusive/sarcastic comments....I am a HUGE fan of Iron Maiden and their debut album is probably my favourite. I am also long-term unemployed and disabled-so I don't take too kindly to ANYONE skanking the system!

Posted by Jon Hufton | February 15, 2011 8:15 PM | Reply to this

Run to the Hills, Paul!

Posted by Dan | February 17, 2011 12:19 PM | Reply to this

Run to the Hills, Paul!!

Posted by Dan | February 17, 2011 12:20 PM | Reply to this

fucking two right

Posted by GLYNN | February 19, 2011 4:40 PM | Reply to this

I'm a radio DJ online for Split Infinity Radio (I am a real person not a bot) and tonight Mr Dianno has earned the HFM (My metal show that at this very moment I'm broadcasting) Fresh Prince of Bellend award for this. What a very silly sod he is

Posted by Villan | February 20, 2011 10:55 PM | Reply to this