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      in Motorsport

      Bombshell details of ‘Schumacher blackmail plot’ emerge including chilling ‘phone threat to REVEAL star’s condition’

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      BOMBSHELL details have been revealed in the chilling case of Michael Schumacher’s £12million blackmail plot. Two men have been accused of threatening the Ferrari legend’s family and conspiring to reveal the star’s health condition on the dark web.Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher’s blackmail plot has been revealedCredit: AlamyMarkus F, the former security guard for the Schumacher family, allegedly planned the blackmail plotCredit: FacebookHe hired bouncer Yilmaz T to extort £12million from Schumachar’s family, it is claimedMichael Schumacher suffered a ‘life-changing’ crash while skiing 10 years agoCredit: AFPOne of them is said to have worked for Schumacher’s family as a security guard for almost five years. The man – who can only be named as Markus F due to German law – allegedly stole two hard drives of medical data said to contain the health records of the motorsport legend.Schumacher, who hasn’t been seen or heard from for over a decade after a horror ski crash, has been looked after by his close-knit family since the accident.The seven-time world champion’s family have kept his health a guarded secret for years.more on the f1 legend Markus, along with co-accused Yilmaz T who he allegedly hired in return for a small commission, is accused of trying to extort £12million from Schumacher’s wife Corinna by threatening to dump all the data in the public domain.The former security guard allegedly stole around 1,500 files, including photos, videos, medication lists and the contents of Schumacher’s patient file, BILD reports. Some of the files were even sent to his family as proof. On June 3, Yilmaz T, who worked as a bouncer, called Schumacher’s office in Switzerland using a private number, it is claimed.Most read in MotorsportHe revealed he had two hard drives filled with the sporting legend’s medical records and threatened to leak them on the dark net, it is alleged.On the morning of June 5, Yilmaz T allegedly revealed he received the data from a third-party source. He was then given an email address to send some of the files to check their authenticity, it is claimed.The bouncer then allegedly involved his son Daniel L., who helped his father set up an anonymous email address to send the files.At around 2pm on the same day, Schumacher’s office is said to have received an email from the private address containing genuine files and pictures about Schumachar’s medical records.On June 17, Yilmaz allegedly called Schumachar’s office again and demanded £12million for the first time in exchange for the two hard drives that contained all the secret medical records.He demanded half the money in exchange for the first hard drive and said he would take the rest after three days and hand over the second hard drive, it is claimed.Michael Schumacher and his wife Corinna before his accident in 2013Credit: AlamySoon, Schumacher’s family contacted the Swiss authorities to file a report about the alleged blackmail plot, with Swiss police then working alongside German cops to investigate the case.On July 4, officers arrested Markus – accused of being the main perpetrator – in his apartment in Wülfrath. They also detained Yilmaz and his son Daniel L. for the alleged blackmail plot. Authorities said they were able to track down the alleged extortionists through “technical measures”.Senior public prosecutor Wolf-Tilman Baumert, spokesman for the Wuppertal public prosecutor’s office, said: “After the advanced investigations, we currently assume that the accused son may have acted more as an accomplice.”The Schumacher family have been tormented over Michael’s health in the past.In 2016, a 25-year-old man known as Hüseyin B sent a threatening email to Corinna targeting the couple’s children.The mum-of-two quickly passed on the email to the police who swiftly tracked down the painter.After being arrested, the thug was sent to court where a judge sentenced him to a year and nine months behind bars.The perpetrator was reportedly caught after he told Corinna to send him the money to his personal bank account – something the police easily traced back.In May, the Schumacher family were awarded £170,000 in compensation after a magazine published a fake AI-generated interview with the racing legend.READ MORE SUN STORIESGerman publication Die Aktuelle claimed to have secured a “world exclusive” with the severely injured Ferrari great last April despite Michael not being seen publicly since his 2013 skiing accident.In a two-page spread, promoted with a picture of Schumacher, it claimed the seven-time F1 champ had said: “My life has totally changed.”What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10 years ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from the hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.Schumacher is a seven-time world champion and a Ferrari legendCorinna has been taking care of Schumacher ever since the horrific crash More

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      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher’s ‘medical records & 500 pics of stricken F1 star among docs stolen in bombshell £12m blackmail plot’

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      A SECURITY guard accused of trying to blackmail F1 legend Michael Schumacher’s family allegedly stole two hard drives of medical data.The man – who can only be named as Markus F due to German law, had worked for the family as a security guard for approximately five years.H7BYN6 Michael Schumacher German motor racing driver 2000Credit: AlamyIdentified as Markus F, the former security guard for the Schumacher family allegedly attempted to blackmail Corinna Shumacher for £12 millionCredit: FacebookYilmaz T is one of the co accusedAccording to reports obtained by Germany’s BILD, the former security guard allegedly stole around 1,500 files.According to the report, there were up to 500 images on one hard drive and as many as 1,000 files on the second hard drive. These included photos, videos, medication lists and the contents of Schumacher’s patient file.It comes after it was reported that Markus F was allegedly trying to get £12million for the stolen medical data to help pay off his debts.Read more sportThe 52-year-old was arrested on Thursday as the main perpetrator behind the suspected attempt to extort the Schumacher family.It’s alleged that the accused man was a vice consul in Egypt who wanted to free himself of his debts by allegedly committing the heinous crime.In early 2009, he became assistant to the German honorary consul in Hurghada, Egypt.A few years later he returned to Germany and resumed his career in security.Most read in MotorsportThis is where he allegedly got to know other bouncers, including the co-accused Yilmaz T, 53, who Markus F allegedly commissioned to carry out the alleged £12 million extortion.According to BILD information, Markus F. only promised to give Yilmaz T a commission in the low single-digit million range.Yilmaz T’s was caught and arrested with his son Daniel L, 30 in connection to the alleged crime.Daniel L is the first of the accused to be released on conditional bail. His older brother Julian posted his £8,431 bail. Daniel L also had to hand over his passport and must report to the police.Senior public prosecutor Wolf-Tilman Baumert, spokesman for the Wuppertal public prosecutor’s office, said: “After the advanced investigations, we currently assume that the accused son may have acted more as an accomplice.” Family employees close to wife Corinna Schumacher were said to have been approached by the trio who claimed to have found a file of secrets on the F1 driver.Schumacher – a seven-time F1 world champion- has not been seen for more than 10 years after a horrific ski crash left him in a medically induced coma.According to the Wuppertal office, the men said the family wouldn’t want the files to become public due to what they contained.To keep the information private the trio reportedly demanded they were sent millions to keep the information off the dark web.The suspects were even alleged to have sent some of the files to the family as proof, said prosecutors in June.Cops were able to track down the extortionists through “technical measures”, it was announced last month.The Schumacher family have been tormented over Michael’s health in the past.In 2016, a 25-year-old man known as Hüseyin B sent a threatening email to Corinna targeting the couple’s children.The mum-of-two quickly passed on the email to the police who swiftly tracked down the painter.After being arrested, the thug was sent to court where a judge sentenced him for a year and nine months behind bars.The perpetrator was reportedly caught after he told Corinna to send him the money to his personal bank account – something the police easily traced back.In May, the Schumacher family were awarded £170,000 in compensation after a magazine published a fake AI-generated interview with the racing legend.READ MORE SUN STORIESGerman publication Die Aktuelle claimed to have secured a “world exclusive” with the severely injured Ferrari great last April despite Michael not being seen publicly since his 2013 skiing accident.In a two-page spread, promoted with a picture of Schumacher, it claimed the seven-time F1 champ had said “My life has totally changed”.MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.Michael Schumacher and his wife Corinna before is accident in 2013Credit: AFPSchumacher – a seven-time F1 world champion- has not been seen for more than 10 years after a horrific ski crash left him in a medically induced coma.Credit: AFPIt is not the first time someone has targeted the Shumacher familyCredit: AFP More

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      in Soccer

      Man found guilty of headbutting ex-football hardman Roy Keane is appealing his conviction

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      A MAN found guilty of headbutting football hard man Roy Keane  is appealing his conviction.Scott Law, 43, was  convicted last month of assaulting the former Man United captain at a match last September.Scott Law was convicted of assaulting Roy KeaneCredit: EnterpriseLaw headbutted Keane while the former player was working as a pundit, a judge ruledCredit: GettyA judge ruled Law had headbutted the pundit and pushed him through doors at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium for cheering a United goal.The married dad of two, who claimed he was acting in self-defence, was given a 12-month community order and a three-year match ban.Following the sentencing, civil engineer Law declined to comment when asked if he was sorry for the attack, but his lawyer confirmed he is planning to appeal the conviction.Reading a statement outside the court on his client’s behalf, Charles Sherrard KC said: “Given that I was found guilty by a judge who excluded me, at times, from my own trial, and by a prosecution that deprived me of key footage for my defence, I most definitely plan to appeal this conviction.”READ MORE ON ROY KEANEDuring the trial, Law was accused of making an “obscene gesture” at the star, before walking up to the lift lobby at club level, where he launched what Prosecutor Simon Jones KC described as a “shocking and unlawful attack”.Giving evidence Keane said: “I was just walking and before I knew it, I was hit. I was absolutely not expecting it.”He added: “The only way I can describe it is that I was in shock. I didn’t expect it to happen, not when I was in my workplace.”Now Law, of Waltham Abbey, Essex, has lodged an appeal against both his conviction and sentence.Most read in FootballA date for the hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court, East London, has yet to be set. Man Utd legend Roy Keane reveals why he last cried in touching moment More

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      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher security guard ‘tried to sell photos of sick F1 star after horror ski crash & blackmail family’

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s security guard allegedly tried to sell photos of the legend after his shocking ski accident in a £12million blackmail plot. The public prosecutor’s office arrested Markus F, 52, from Wülfrath on Thursday as the main perpetrator behind the suspected attempt to extort the Schumacher family.The alleged blackmail targeted Schumacher’s family, say German copsCredit: AlamyMichael’s loving wife Corrina has protected his privacy since a horror ski crash over a decade agoCredit: AFPMichael has not been seen publicly since his 2013 ski accident.Credit: AFPIn the shocking twist, Markus F was a ‘trusted’ security expert working for the F1 icon’s family a few years ago.Now he is being accused of orchestrating the blackmail that threatened to release images of seven-time champ Schumacher in the years following his skiing accident in December 2013.The family has kept the champion racing driver’s health a guarded secret for years – which the photos would have exposed. Markus F wanted to reportedly free himself of his debts by committing the heinous crime. read more in schumacherIts claimed he had previously tried to sell the pics to the media for two years.The mastermind is said to have commissioned bouncer Yilmaz T, 53, from Wuppertal to carry out the blackmail.Markus F’s role is alleged to have been turning private pictures of the family into digital files before transferring to Yilmaz T and his son.  When 53-year-old Yilmaz T was arrested with his son Daniel L, 30, the two reportedly told police they had been acting on behalf of Markus F.Most read in MotorsportThe man was detained on Thursday in Wülfrath as a large number of evidence was also seized from his property.Family employees close to wife Corinna Schumacher were said to have been approached by the trio who claimed to have found a file of secrets on the F1 driver.Schuey’s family awarded £170k damages over AI-generated ‘chat with F1 star’Michael, who hasn’t been seen or heard from for over a decade after a horror ski crash, has been looked after by his close-knit family since the accident.According to the Wuppertal office, the men said the family wouldn’t want the files to become public due to what they contained.Doorman Yilmaz T. is said to be one of the three men behind the planTo keep the information private the trio reportedly demanded they were sent millions to keep the information off the dark web.The suspects were even alleged to have sent some of the files to the family as proof, said prosecutors in June.Cops were able to track down the extortionists through “technical measures”, it was announced last month.The Schumacher family have been tormented over Michael’s health in the past.In 2016, a 25-year-old man known as Hüseyin B sent a threatening email to Corinna targeting the couple’s children.The mum-of-two quickly passed on the email to the police who swiftly tracked down the painter.After being arrested, the thug was sent to court where a judge sentenced him for a year and nine months behind bars.The perpetrator was reportedly caught after he told Corinna to send him the money to his personal bank account – something the police easily traced back.READ MORE SUN STORIESAt the hearing, judge Eberhard Hausch said: “To put it gently, putting your own account number there is not very smart.” In May, the Schumacher family were awarded £170,000 in compensation after a magazine published a fake AI-generated interview with the racing legend.What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.Michael hasn’t been seen publicly since the crashCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Schumacher blackmail plot ‘mastermind’ revealed as ‘family bodyguard who threatened to release pics of stricken star’

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      THE mastermind accused of a blackmail plot against F1 ace Michael Schumacher has been revealed as a family bodyguard, say German cops. Two other men have also been arrested after they are alleged to have threatened to release secret pictures of the injured star if they weren’t given over £12million from his stricken family. A third man has been arrested over a Michael Schumacher blackmail plotCredit: AlamyThe alleged blackmail plot was targeting Schumacher’s family, say German copsCredit: NetflixDoorman Yilmaz T. is said to be one of the three men behind the planThe first two men arrested were a father and son duo accused of trying to plot against the Schumacher family.Yilmaz T., 53, and his son, 30, from Wuppertal, western Germany, face up five years in prison if found guilty of the allegations.A third man involved in the case has now also been arrested.The 52-year-old has been described as the “mastermind” behind the plot, say German cops. read more in SchumacherHe worked as a security guard for the Schumacher family, claim the public prosecutor’s office in Wuppertal.His role is alleged to have been turning private pictures of the family into digital files so they could be transferred to Yilmaz T and his son.  The man was detained on Thursday in Wülfrath as a large number of evidence was also seized from his property. Family employees close to wife Corinna Schumacher were said to have been approached by the trio who claimed to have found a file of secrets on the F1 driver.Most read in MotorsportMichael, who hasn’t been seen or heard from for over a decade after a horror ski crash, has been looked after by his close-knit family since the accident.According to the Wuppertal office, the men said the family wouldn’t want the files to become public due to what they contained.To keep the information private the trio reportedly demanded they were sent millions to keep the information off the dark web.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateThe suspects were even alleged to have sent some of the files to the family as proof, said prosecutors in June.Cops were able to track down the extortionists through “technical measures”, it was announced last month.The Schumacher family have been tormented over Michael’s health in the past.In 2016, a 25-year-old man known as Hüseyin B sent a threatening email to Corinna targeting the couple’s children.The mum-of-two quickly passed on the email to the police who swiftly tracked down the painter.After being arrested, the thug was sent to court where a judge sentenced him for a year and nine months behind bars.The perpetrator was reportedly caught after he told Corinna to send him the money to his personal bank account – something the police easily traced back.At the hearing, judge Eberhard Hausch said: “To put it gently, putting your own account number there is not very smart.” In May, the Schumacher family were awarded £170,000 in compensation after a magazine published a fake AI-generated interview with the racing legend.What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.German publication Die Aktuelle claimed to have secured a “world exclusive” with the severely injured Ferrari great last April despite Michael not being seen publicly since his 2013 skiing accident.In a two-page spread, promoted with a picture of Schumacher, it claimed the seven-time F1 champ had said “My life has totally changed”.The sickening bot even spoke about the racing hero’s physical condition, family and future recovery prospects.Another legal battle in 2016 was waged after German magazine Bunte reported the racing legend “could walk”.The court case led to a few small pieces of information being revealed, with Schumacher’s lawyers confirming he still couldn’t walk.Corinna also reportedly led the effort to hide a ghoulish photo of the F1 legend that was reportedly snapped and then smuggled out by a “friend” and offered around to news outlets for a whopping £1million.READ MORE SUN STORIESGerman prosecutors called the disgusting act a “violation of his personal range of life” and breach of privacy.Corinna reportedly demanded the cops take action, but the media outlet refused to reveal its source – and also claimed it never saw any of the images of Schumacher.Michael’s loving wife Corrina has protected his privacy since a horror ski crash over a decade agoCredit: Getty Images – GettyMichael hasn’t been seen publicly since the crashCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      in Boxing

      Ex-Olympic boxer who helped mastermind national black market racket after running up gambling debts of £25k avoids jail

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      A FORMER Team GB boxer has escaped jail after he helped mastermind a nationwide black market racket in stolen telecoms equipment which cost BT almost £400,000.Ex-lightweight professional Antonio Counihan, 33, broke into Openreach vans to steal fibre optic installation kit after becoming a cable fitter when his career in the ring foundered and he ran up gambling debts of £25,000.Former boxer Antonio Counihan has avoided jailCredit: CavendishCounihan was part of a gang which stole telecoms equipment which cost BT almost £400,000Credit: CavendishCounihan, right, seen here with his dad Paul, won 66 of his 80 amateur fightsCredit: CavendishCounihan and an accomplice used hi viz jackets and hardhats to pose as a workmen at secure BT exchange sites before clambering on top of the vans and using cutting equipment to ”peel back” the rooves.They also used their expertise in telecoms to identify the most expensive items inside before looting the vehicles.The stolen equipment was then fenced by a crooked businessman who used his fibre optics business as a front to sell them on.Counihan, from Sollihull, near Birmingham who won 66 of his 80 amateur fights before boxing for England over 20 times was arrested after police attributed 34 thefts to the gang carried out across eight counties over a nine month period from May 2019 to January 2020.Read More on UK NewsIn all equipment worth £113,192 was stolen whilst £149,561 of damage was caused to the vans.BT calculated the racket had cost it £390,627 including lost business caused by the thefts.In two cases three Openreach vans were targeted in a single night.At Warwick Crown Court, father of one Counihan faced up to six years jail under sentencing guidelines but was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months after a judge was told of a ”heart wrenching” end to his promising boxing career when he had undergo tests for brain cancer.Most read in BoxingDetails of the case emerged at the Court of Appeal this week where three judges dismissed pleas by the Solicitor General that the suspended sentence imposed on upon Counihan was ”unduly lenient.”Three other men who has also got suspended sentences for their parts in the racket also had appeals against their terms rejected.Counihan joined the Team GB boxing squad in 2009 and at one point was captain but he turned pro after narrowly missing out on a place in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.He was signed up by boxing manager Kelly Maloney then known as Frank but his career began to decline after a ‘shadow’ was discovered on his brain.He was unable to box competitively for three years and underwent a series of scans before doctors discovered the shadow was in fact a birth mark.The theft racket began in 2019 after Counihan got a job as a cable fitter for a fibre optic installation subcontracting business run by 35-year old Michael George and which was used by BT on outsourced jobs.The court heard the gang ”had specialist knowledge of the operational workings of BT and of the high demand on the black market for the specialist fibre optic installation equipment.”They would target BT Openreach vans parked overnight and cut holes into the rooves with metal cutters.Initially a small hole would be cut into the roof to allow the contents of the van to be viewed and if If high-value fibre optic kit was seen inside, a larger hole was then made by cutting through and peeling back a section of the roof.The gang started their criminal enterprise in the West Midlands but their activities spread into Warwickshire, West Mercia, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Gloucestershire, Avon and Somerset and Essex.In one raid the gang stole a splicing machine worth £2225, an optical time-domain reflectometer worth £2400, a red light generator worth £135, a light source worth £564, a fibre cleaver worth £225; hand tools worth £450; and a labelling machine worth £23.A fibre blowing head worth £1,480 was damaged in the raid.Counihan received £2,100 into his bank account juts a day after one of the raids and went on spending spree buying designer clothing.Police began investigating after an off duty BT employee took a picture of him driving the gang’s getaway vehicle.They examined text messages he swapped with an accomplice discussing “doing a peel”, meaning going to steal, wearing of high viz jackets and hard hats so they could ”blend in” during one of the raids.They also discussed needing “new snips” after metal cutters they used were discarded during a previous raid.There were also messages where items were requested, and plans formed to steal to order.Counihan sent messages to an associate asking if he wanted a splicer, and discussing fibre optic equipment that was available to purchase.He then sent screenshots stating that he had been “putting feelers out”.When arrested in June 2020, Couniham initially denied wrongdoing.He later said he participated as a driver and lookout during some of the raids and was only involved in the sale of property stolen in one.He accepted he received “a few hundred pounds on average.”Counihan later wrote a letter to the court describing how he had risen to be part of the Great Britain Team as a boxer, backed by lottery funding, and he went into schools to inspire other children to take up boxing.He had decided to turn professional after narrowly missing out on the 2012 Olympics and won his first 8 fights as a professional before the shadow was identified on his brain.He said he no longer able to carry on boxing and his life ”became a complete mess.”He said he was in a ”bad place” when joined the gang.Sentencing Judge Anthony Potter said the racket was a “brutal and highly effective nationwide conspiracy” but cited delays in the case of two and a half years which had allowed Counihan to ”turn his life around.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe judge accepted at the time of the racket Counihan had been “processing the loss of a career that you pursued for most of your childhood and into your adulthood” but said he had since undergone a ”significant change” after fathering a son.George, from Birmingham was given 21 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.The judge said Counihan had manged to ‘turn his life around’Credit: CavendishCounihan won his first eight fights as a professional before the shadow was identified on his brainCredit: CavendishHe had decided to turn professional after narrowly missing out on the 2012 OlympicsCredit: Cavendish More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell died from organ failure in hospital as concerns raised over his care, inquest told

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      ARSENAL and Everton legend Kevin Campbell died from multi-organ failure due to a heart infection, an inquest heard today.The striker passed away in hospital last month aged just 54 – sparking an outpouring of grief from his ex-teammates.Kevin Campbell died after being admitted to hospitalCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal star suffered multi-organ failureCredit: GettyAn inquest into Campbell’s death today heard how the star’s provisional cause of death was given as multi-organ failure due to a heart infection.The hearing was told he had been admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) in May but concerns have been raised over his care.Coroner Zac Golombek said Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the hospital, had declared a Level 5 patient safety incident – the most serious category – about aspects of his care.He added: “In terms of the circumstances of his death he had been admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary on May 15 2024.Read more news“He had been reported to have been fit and well until around January 2024 when he had a number of admissions to hospital before this final admission.“I have been notified that Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust which manages Manchester Royal Infirmary has declared a Level 5 incident related to aspects of Mr Campbell’s care in which there is reference to both a delay in aspects of his care and diagnosis, and also concerns raised over decision-making processes with regards to the institutions of palliative care.”Those matters are now subject to internal investigations by the hospital trust.”A full inquest was adjourned to a date to be set while the investigation is ongoing.Most read in FootballCampbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.During his time at the club, he won the old First Division, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.Unearthed footage shows Kevin Campbell tell incredible story about first time he played with 14-year-old Wayne RooneyArsenal led tributes for the star, who became a pundit after hanging up his boots.The team said: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness.”Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time.”Rest in peace, Kevin.”Campbell’s former club Everton, where he spent six years after joining in 1999 – making 137 appearances for the club.The Toffees said: “Everton said: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.”Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know.”RIP, Super Kev.”In a two-decade career, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional appearances.As well as Arsenal and Everton, he had stints at Nottingham Forest, West Brom and Cardiff City.Campbell holds the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.But he did make four appearances for England U21s and one appearance for the England B squad.Wayne Rooney, who played at Everton with the footballer, said: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev – thinking of all his family and friends.”Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.”While Arsenal star Tony Adams added: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart.READ MORE SUN STORIES”An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us.”Love you Super Kev, Skipper.”The star had successful stints at both Everton and ArsenalCredit: GettyFormer teammate Wayne Rooney was among those who paid tributeCredit: PA More

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      Bouncer & son ‘threatened to release secret Michael Schumacher files showing F1 star immediately after horror ski crash’

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      A BOUNCER and his son have been accused of trying to blackmail F1 legend Michael Schumacher’s family out of £12million.Yilmaz T., 53, and his son, 30, from Wuppertal, western Germany, face up five years in prison if found guilty of the allegations.Doorman Yilmaz T. is said to be behind the blackmail of Michael Schumacher’s familySchumacher has remained out of the public eye since his horror ski crash more than a decade agoCredit: GettyThe F1 legend stands alongside his wife, CorinnaCredit: RexGerman cops claim the father and son pair planned to extort millions from the Schumacher familyCredit: NetflixThe pair are alleged to have “claimed to employees of the Schumacher family” that they had files the family might not want publishing, the public prosecutor’s office said.They are said to show the former Formula 1 world champion after his skiing accident in 2013, German outlet BILD report, and some were even allegedly sent to the family as proof.The perpetrators then demanded a payment “in the millions” to prevent the files from being published on the darknet.It’s claimed Yilmaz T. had these files for several years, although it remains unclear how they came into his possession.Read more in F1The report adds that he had previously tried to offer the material to two other people several years ago to help him carry out the blackmail, only for them to refuse.At the beginning of June, he decided to involve his son in the heinous crime.But cops were able to track down the extortionists through “technical measures” and arrested them in a discount store parking lot in Groß-Gerau, a town in central German state Hesse, last month.The pair had been on their way to the southern city of Konstanz, where Yilmaz T. is understood to have a second home and a job on nearby Lake Constance.Most read in MotorsportWhile the dad and son duo were being arrested, investigators visited the Grey nightclub, where Yilmaz T. has been a bouncer since at least 2017.Authorities also raided seven other properties, including the doorman’s apartment in Wuppertal.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateSenior public prosecutor Wolf-Tilman Baumert told BILD that “technical measures made it possible to determine that the blackmailers were operating from Wuppertal.”An image published by the outlet allegedly shows a police note left on the door of Yilmaz T.’s broken-into apartment.If found guilty of their crimes, the father and son could spend half a decade behind bars.According to BILD, the duo are already on probation for another offence involving incitement to acquire, possess and carry weapons and ammunition.Yilmaz T. had been sentenced to one year and two months in prison but served just two months in pre-trial detention before the remainder of his sentence was suspended.A judge saw a favourable social prognosis for the bouncer, with the court convinced he would lead a crime-free life “even without the influence of the penal system.”That’s in spite of his 18 previous convictions.What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.A well known figure with authorities, Yilmaz T. has been charged with a number of crimes including serious gang theft, assault, threats, fraud and tax evasion.This isn’t the first time Schumacher’s inner circle, headed up by wife Corinna, has been targeted by fiends in the past.In 2016, a 25-year-old man known as Hüseyin B sent a threatening email to Corinna targeting the couple’s children.The mum-of-two quickly passed on the email to the police who swiftly tracked down the painter.After being arrested, the thug was sent to court where a judge sentenced him for a year and nine months behind bars.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe perpetrator was reportedly caught after he told Corinna to send him the money to his personal bank account – something the police easily traced back.At the hearing, judge Eberhard Hausch said: “To put it gently, putting your own account number there is not very smart.” Michael’s wife Corinna has been targeted by blackmailers in the past looking to extort millions from the stricken familyCredit: AFPMichael with his son Mick and daughter Gina-MariaCredit: NetflixSchumacher drivintg the #1 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro he claimed many F1 titles inCredit: Getty More