May 25, 2011 17:17

Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno released from prison early

Singer serves just two months of original nine month sentence

Photo Gallery: Iron Maiden
Photo: WENN

Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno has been released from prison after serving just over two months of a nine month sentence for benefit fraud.

The singer, real name Paul Andrews, pleaded guilty to eight counts of benefit fraud amounting to more than £45,000 at Salisbury Crown Court in March (11) and was originally told he would serve at least four and a half months in prison.

But he was released yesterday (May 24), just over two months into his sentence and told Metalunderground.com that he was glad to be out. He said: "Back home again, and looking forward to Running Free Again, and seeing you all in a few weeks. Relieved to say, I managed not to drop the soap!"

Running Free Again refers to a new tour, which the singer has said he is planning to launch in the autumn. He left Iron Maiden in 1981 to be replaced by Bruce Dickenson, but has continued to perform the band's material live.

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