Paul Andrews, AKA Paul Di’Anno, who was lead singer of Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981, has been jailed for social security fraud. The 52 year old had claimed that he was unable to work after injuring himself while leaping off stage, but prosecutors were able to offer the judge Youtube videos of him performing with other bands while he supposedly couldn’t work. Di’Anno had been receiving income support, housing benefit and council tax freebies from 2002 – 2008.
Prosecutor James Newton-Price told the judge “His touring took him to Europe, India, Brazil, Canada, Russia, and Mexico. There is footage on YouTube of over 50 live performances between 2004 and 2007. He admitted in an interview at one of his concerts in 2005 that he was living in Brazil for a time and that he played to crowds of 10,000 people.”
Judge Jane Millar said in her sentencing remarks “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.”
In some ways we take our hats off to Paul – this takes the concept of dole bludging to a new level. Di’Anno had a spectacular falling out with his band mates in 1981 and was replaced by current singer Bruce Dickinson who was in the country with the band headlining the Soundwave Festival this month.
