Black Lace frontman Dene Michael out of jail early on a tag after £25k benefits fraud stint
Dene Michael Betteridge, 59, said he could only watch TV because of health problems - despite performing 'vigorous physical activity' on stage
THE frontman of Black Lace, best known for hit song Agadoo, has been released from prison early after fraudulently claiming around £25k in benefits.
Dene Michael Betteridge, 59, said he could only watch TV because of health problems - despite performing "vigorous physical activity" on stage.
Greedy Betteridge was handed a six-month prison sentence on June 27 after pleading guilty to five counts of benefit fraud.
Appearing at Leeds Crown Court today via video link the 80's one-hit-wonder pop group singer was told he would be released and put on an electronic tag after just 46 days behind bars.
During the brief Proceeds of Crime hearing, Recorder Richard Woolfall asked the frontman: "You are going home today then?"
Betteridge replied: "Yes - I'm supposed to be going home on a tag today."
Details of the singer's early release were revealed when he returned to court to determine how much of the stolen money he still has to pay back.
Betteridge, of Garforth, West Yorks, said he had so far re-paid £6,000 before the hearing was adjourned.
Recorder Woolfall agreed to adjourn the case and told Betteridge: "Next time you will have to get here under your own steam."
Betteridge lied to Leeds City Council and the Department of Work and Pensions, claiming he was unable to walk, was constantly in pain and needed a carer.
Throughout the two-year deception the entertainer was the frontman of the Yorkshire-based pop band.
During the hearing, Prosecutor Angus MacDonald told the court: "The defendant was the lead singer and front man of the pop or rock band Black Lace.
"And the evidence says this role required vigorous physical activity.
"Despite that, the defendant over a period of 18 months and two years undertook fraudulent claims."
Betteridge pleaded guilty to five offences of benefit fraud, totalling £24,035.
He made false claims for housing benefit, disability living allowance and employment support between 2012 and 2014.
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His wife Karen Betteridge, 52, who claimed she was her husband's carer and stood next to him in the dock, admitted one offence of benefit fraud totalling £2,409.
Betteridge claimed he was unable to walk without a stick, had bladder problems and needed a mobility scooter to get around.
He earned £9,000 from Black Lace gigs during the period of offending despite claiming he was unable to work.
The court was told Betteridge had got a £10,000-a-year job working as a council van driver for disabled people.
Betteridge's barrister Peter Byrne, said: "He is deeply ashamed of his conduct."
The court heard Karen Betteridge worked in a supermarket and was also repaying the amount she had claimed.
Jailing Betteridge, judge Jaqueline Davies said: "You were claiming a sum that was not insignificant at a time when you knew this country was, and still is, undergoing times of stress in terms of publicly-funded benefit."
Karen Betteridge received a 12-month community order and was told to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
Black Lace are best known for their hit song Agadoo and other party songs, including Superman and Do The Coga.
Betteridge was not part of the original line-up but joined in 1986.
In 2015 he appeared on the BBC TV talent series, The Voice, and has also appeared on the ITV legal show Judge.
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