Ex-Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno faces jail over benefit fraud

LONDON - Former lead singer of iconic rock band ‘Iron Maiden’ is facing jail after being exposed as a benefit cheat by posting his music videos - on YouTube.

Heavy metal legend Paul Andrews, idolized by millions worldwide as Paul Di’Anno, yesterday admitted cheating taxpayers out of more than 45,000 pounds, reports the Daily Express.

Andrews, who left Iron Maiden in 1981, claimed incapacity benefit after telling authorities he’d suffered nerve damage to his back and was unable to work.

But the singer, who has had huge hits including Run to the Hills and The Number of the Beast, was still performing.

Andrews, of Salisbury, Wilts, was caught when investigators spotted a YouTube video of him jumping around on stage during a live show in 2006.

Yesterday he was told to prepare for some “jail house rock” after admitting eight counts of benefit fraud at Salisbury Crown Court.e will be sentenced on March 11.

Judge Andrew Barnett said, “Although all sentence options will be open, you should prepare yourself for a prison sentence.” (ANI)