MySpace report:

Former http://www.myspace.com/ironmaiden" rel="nofollow - Iron Maiden singer Paul Di�Anno http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2011/03/former_iron_maiden_vocalist_ja.html" rel="nofollow - has been jailed for nine months following a sentencing on Friday. Di�Anno was found guilty of falsely claiming $67,500 (�45,000) in welfare benefits.

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The singer, who left the band in 1981, admitted he accepted government money after falsely claiming nerve damage to his back which prevented him from working. Di�Anno continued to play shows during this time and was charged with wrongfully claiming income support, housing and council tax benefit between 2002 and 2008.

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On Friday, Judge Jane Miller QC in Salisbury Crown Court in Salisbury, England sentenced the musician to nine months in jail. Judge Miller said, �Your greed has cost this country a lot of money. The claims were for a long time and for a large cost� It took many years to track you down. In 2007 you performed at 69 venues, in 2006 you performed 67 times. I do not accept you only got expenses.�

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Di�Anno has not offered a statement and there is no word as to whether he may be able to be released early for good behavior.