A COUNTRY and Western Singer known as the Silver Fox who performed in Worcestershire pubs and clubs has admitted failing to declare his earnings while drawing state benefit.

Michael Turford pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court to one charge of cheating the public revenue between December 14, 2004, and October 30, 2006, by not revealing his income while on incapacity benefit.

Turford, aged 63, of Grafton Close, Redditch, entered his plea after receiving an assurance from Judge Andrew Geddes that the offence would not be marked with immediate custody.

Stewart Clarkson, for the Department for Work & Pensions, said Turford had claimed nearly £7,000 over a 22-month period while working as a singer on a part-time basis.

Turford was of good character and the money would be recovered from future benefits.

Releasing Turford on bail for a pre-sentence report, Judge Geddes reserved the case to himself in three weeks' time.

He said the likely outcome would be a suspended prison sentence with an order for unpaid community work.