A former singer with hit 1980s bands Bronski Beat, The Communards and Erasure has been convicted of a $48,000 (£30,000) benefits fraud.

Kevin Glancy, 45, claimed the money in housing handouts after falsely telling authorities he was renting the home he owns in Grimsby, England.

He was given a one-year suspended prison sentence by a judge at a court in Grimsby after pleading guilty to charges of making false statements to claim benefits.

Speaking after the hearing, Glancy, who provided backing vocals in recording sessions for the 1980s groups, said, "It's a misconception that I am living a rock star lifestyle. It's all lies. I was a backing singer - it's a job."