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    Spurs’ ex chief Joe Lewis, 87, AVOIDS JAIL over insider trading after spilling company info to girlfriend & jet pilots

    FORMER Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis has avoided jail after pleading guilty to insider trading and conspiracy charges.The Brit billionaire, 87, spilled secrets to his girlfriend, private pilots, family, and friends as part of a “brazen” multi-year scheme that was said to have earned his inner circle millions.British billionaire Joe Lewis arrives at a US federal courthouse to be sentenced on insider trading charges in New York on ThursdayCredit: EPAEx-Spurs ex chief Joe Lewis, pictured in the stands at a football matchCredit: GettyLewis shields his face with a scarf as he arrives at courtCredit: EPAThe billionaire is seen wearing an eyepatch on ThursdayCredit: ReutersLewis arrived at a New York court on Thursday night, wearing an eyepatch over his right eye and a pair of dark sunglasses, and was shielded from the media by security.He held a scarf over his face as an unknown woman covered him with her coat.It was later revealed that the billionaire would avoid being sent to prison for insider trading, after Judge Jessica Clarke sentenced him to a $5million (£4million) fine and three years’ probation.East London-bred Lewis, who now lives in the Bahamas, pleaded guilty in January to one count of conspiracy and two counts of securities fraud.read more on joe lewisFederal sentencing guidelines had called for a prison sentence of up to two years, but Judge Clarke was not bound by them.The judge told the court that Lewis’ crime was “without doubt a serious one”.Inside the courtroom, Lewis was helped by an aide to his seat – where he sat visibly shaking.When asked to confirm to the judge that he understood the proceedings, Lewis – who is worth £5 billion – had difficulty standing up.Most read in FootballHis son, his daughter, and one of his granddaughters sat in the public gallery.In a plea to the court, Lewis begged the judge to spare him jail time as he had made a “terrible mistake”.Inside Joe Lewis’ billionaire lifestyle with epic yacht and £1billion art collectionHe said: “I broke the law. I am ashamed, and I hold myself accountable.”Lewis also asked to be given “any time I have left to make amends and rebuild the trust I have squandered”.One of Lewis’ companies, which had already admitted one count of securities fraud, was ordered to pay £35million in fines and penalties.Judge Clarke praised Lewis for tackling the charges “head on” and not fighting extradition to the US.She said she was sparing him prison because his “life would be at serious risk”, due to his health issues, if he was jailed.Judge Clarke added that it was unlikely Lewis would reoffend because of the damage to his “reputation and embarrassment and shame”.Earlier, prosecutor Jason Richman told the court that Lewis’ behaviour was “calculated and offensive”, as Lewis’ lawyer David Zornow said the billionaire was “frail” and needed to return to the UK for an operation on his eye.Mr Zornow said Lewis had “deteriorated significantly” since last July when he was charged.I broke the law. I am ashamed, and I hold myself accountableJoe LewisFormerTottenham Hotspur ownerThe ex-Spurs chief gave up control of the club in October 2022, but his family trust still owns the majority of it.He was expected to serve 18 months to two years behind bars.But prosecutors argued his age, significant medical issues, willingness to stand trial in the US and otherwise law-abiding life had earned him leniency.As part of his plea deal, Lewis had the right to appeal if he were to be sentenced to prison time.At his January hearing, the businessman admitted that he agreed in 2019 to share secrets about publicly traded companies with several individuals.He told the court that he was “so embarrassed” as he apologised for his conduct.Prosecutors said that his company, Broad Bay Limited, and Lewis would pay $50million (£38million) in financial penalties – the largest financial penalty for insider trading in a decade.’BRAZEN’ SCHEMELewis counts himself within the 500 richest people in the world, with a mega property portfolio across the world, a $250million (£190million) yacht, private planes worth $90million (£70million) and an art collection valued $100million (£80m).In July of last year, Lewis was charged with passing inside information on his portfolio companies to his inner circle.The tips enabled them to reap millions of dollars of profit, according to prosecutors.He was charged with 16 counts of securities fraud and three counts of conspiracy for crimes spanning from 2013 to 2021.Prosecutors branded his actions as “classic corporate corruption” carried out by orchestrating a “brazen” insider trading scheme.In new court papers, prosecutors said Lewis learned secrets about public companies after making large investments.They said that on at least four occasions, he tipped off his girlfriend, personal pilots, employees and friends, enabling them to heavily profit from the secrets.Lewis pictured on his megayacht ‘Aviva’ in the Bahamas in 2010Credit: Tom StockillThe former footie chief stepped down as owner of Tottenham in October, 2022Credit: APHis £190m floating palace sailing through LondonCredit: Getty Images – GettyThis insider trading was “not the result of aberrant, one-time conduct, but rather, a troubling pattern of misconduct over the course of several years,” they wrote.Prosecutors said it was possible that the insider activity resulted from “hubris, ego, a desire to make a financial gift without parting with his own money, an irrational form of greed, or some other reason.”But, regardless, it is clear that Lewis believed he was above the law, that he had achieved a level of wealth and stature that relieved him from having to operate by the same rules that apply to everyday investors,” prosecutors said.APPEALS FOR LENIENCYFrom the start, Lewis was no ordinary defendant.After his arrest less than a year ago, he was freed on a $300million (£237million) bail after putting up a yacht and private plane as collateral.Lewis is limited to travelling between New York, Florida and Georgia, where he owns property.Lewis’ lawyers had appealed for leniency, based on arguments that he is nearing the end of life with declining health and the court’s probation office recommendation of no prison time, a fine and three years on probation.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis defence said that if he received no prison time, he will immediately leave the US.His conviction will mean he cannot return to see his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who live in the US.The glitzy rise of Joe LewisBRIT billionaire businessman Joe Lewis has been sentenced for insider training. Here is the rise and fall of the ex-Spurs chief:
    After quitting school at the age of 15, entrepreneurial Lewis went to work for his dad’s catering company.
    Lewis began managing a super-club called The Talk of the Town – where the likes of Frank Sinatra performed – in the 1960s, and granted girl group The Nolans their first live show.
    He then got a taste for business and took over the firm – turning it into a string of restaurants before flogging it in 1979 for a whopping £30million.
    Lewis used his cash influx to invest in currency trading and was subbed The Boxer in a nod to his wild success and power in the investment ring.
    Lewis forked out £22million in 2001 to buy a controlling stake in Tottenham Hotspur from Lord Sugar.
    One particular investment on Black Wednesday in September 1992 helped elevate him to uber-rich status, as he successfully bet on the Pound crashing out of the European Exchange Rate as Britain tried to align it with other Euro countries.
    He became a billionaire overnight – and the financial magic trick worked again years later with a big short against the Mexican peso.
    Along the way, Lewis founded Bahamas-based investment firm Tavistock Group – which he has propelled into one of the most dominant private equity firms in the world. 
    But it’s not been all work and no play for Lewis, who has spent eye-watering sums on luxury items – homes, art and a superyacht worth £190million, which can house up to 16 guests.
    In 2022, Lewis made history by selling David Hockney’s 1972 piece, ‘Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Tool Figures)’.
    Having owned the piece since 1995, Lewis auctioned it off for £70.3million – setting a new record for artwork by a living artist.
    However, his life of glamour, football and boats all came crashing down when US prosecutors charged him with insider trading and conspiracy in July, 2023.
    They accused him of tipping off his girlfriend, jet pilots and other members of his inner circle with insider secrets that helped them make millions over several years.
    On January 24, 2024, he pleaded guilty to security fraud.
    On April 4, 2024 – Lewis was sentenced by a New York court.

    The Brit businessman pictured in court in January when he pleaded guilty to charges of insider tradingCredit: ReutersHis lawyers had hoped for leniency owing to his age and medical issuesCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdLewis said he was ‘so embarrassed’ over his conduct at his January pleaCredit: EPA More

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    Ex England ace Chris Smalling sues advisors for £750k after ‘not telling him about huge fees and charges’

    FORMER England ace Chris Smalling is suing his wealth managers for £750,000 claiming they did not tell him about fees and charges which could have cost £97.7million.The ex-Manchester United defender, now playing for Italian club Roma, said he was advised in 2015 to invest £80,000 a month in bonds.Ex-Man U defender Chris Smalling is suing his wealth managers for £750,000Credit: GettyAccording to his legal documents, in 2015, when still playing for the Red Devils, he met a representative from KWM at his home in Manchester to talk about how he could build up investments which would fund his luxury lifestyle after retiring from football.Smalling claims that he wanted to know how much the charges would be, to have a contract that would be easily ended if he was unhappy.The representative recommended investment bonds and said he would ask the firm to waive any initial charges, according to documents submitted to the High Court.Smalling claims he was then sent details of the plan which included investing a third of his income, keeping a third, and putting the rest towards his mortgage.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe claims he wanted to withdraw the investment in 2021 but was then told for the first time, if he did it would be taxed at 45 per cent.Smalling, 34, — married to former Page 3 girl Sam Cooke — also says he was not advised fees and charges could add up to twice the amount he would invest over the 50-year life of the bond.The dad of one wants the return of £750,000 in charges he said he paid up to October 2023.KWM Wealth’s lawyers told The Sun they will defend his High Court claim on the basis it is “without foundation.”Most read in FootballSmalling was signed to Roma from Man Utd on a £18 million deal in 2020 – and now takes home an annual salary of £3.1 million.Man City boss Pep Guardiola says top-class Phil Foden can do whatever he wants in football More

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    Dani Alves’ ex-wife Joana Sanz shares first pic with disgraced Barcelona star since prison release after rape conviction

    DANI Alves’ ex-wife has shared a pic with the disgraced Barcelona star for the first time since he was released from prison. The shamed footballer, who was jailed for raping a woman in a Spanish nightclub, walked free last week after appealing his four-and-a-half-year sentence. Ex-wife Joana Sanz and disgraced Dani Alves, pictured years ago, appear to have reconnectedCredit: instagramThe couple had been split since last year after Dani was accused of rapeCredit: Instagram @joanasanzHowever, Joana today shared a pic of the couple’s hands on her InstagramCredit: Instagram / @joanasanzAlves appealed his conviction and walked free from prison last MondayCredit: SplashAlves was released after serving just four weeks of his conviction as he coughed up €1million (£850,000) for bail.Just hours after the disgraced star was released he hosted an all-night party at his £4.5m mansion. Soon after Alves returned home, a bouquet of flowers was delivered to the address.Rumours swirled the bouquet could have been a gift for his estranged wife Joana Sanz, 31. Read more on football On Saturday, Spanish media reported the supermodel had already paid Alves a visit. Within 24 hours of his release, Joana deactivated her Instagram account.Her Instagram profile is now back up and running, but she no longer follows Alves and has wiped her account of all pictures of him.But now Joana has posted a photo of Alves, one of the world’s most decorated footballers, to her story. Most read in FootballShe snapped a photo of the pair holding hands in the sunshine, with what appeared to be matching 1+1=1 tattoos. Alves’ distinctive hand ink is on display, too. Moment rapist Dani Alves walks FREE from prison just weeks into his 4.5-year sentence after paying €1m bailThe disgraced star, who played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, was accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona in December, 2022. The ex-Barcelona star saw his life unravel after he was arrested by Catalan police in January 2023 – and kept behind bars until he appealed his sentence. In court the victim claimed Alves was aggressive with her, slapping her and insulting her, and then forced her to have sex with him.In a trial held last month, the footballer denied the allegations and said the encounter had been consensual. He was found guilty of the sex attack on Feburary 2022, but walked free on Monday March 25 after appealing the conviction. Despite winning the fight to serve his sentence from the comfort of his own home, Alves will still need to appear at court once a week.He was also required to hand in his Spanish and Brazilian passports, so he cannot flee Spain.Rumours are swirling about how the former footballer managed to find the funds necessary to secure his bail.READ MORE SUN STORIESSome say his former teammates could have put the money together.It was also alleged that Alves called on Neymar’s father to pay his bail.Alves and Joana, at The Best FIFA Football Awards in 2018Credit: Getty Images – GettyAlves celebrates after winning the Copa America football tournament in Brazil in 2019Credit: AFPWHAT HAPPENED?BRAZILIAN international footballer Dani Alves was accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.
    In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, the footballer denied the allegations and said the encounter had been consensual. 
    Held at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court, the trial lasted three days and saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.
    His accuser told the prosecution that she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but that he forced her to stay after she wanted to leave.
    In court she claimed that he was aggressive with her, slapping her and insulting her, and then forced her to have sex with him.
    Following the trial, Alves was found guilty of raping the woman.
    He was convicted on February 22 and sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
    The court also ordered Alves to pay £130K (150,000 euros) in compensation to the victim.
    The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”
    He had previously been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest on January 20, 2023.
    Alves’ lawyers immediately appealed his sentence.
    On March 20, 2024 – a Barcelona court released Alves on a bail of €1million (£850k) pending an appeal on his conviction.
    His defense is seeking his acquittal while the prosecutor wants his prison sentence increased to nine years.
    There is no date yet for the new trial at a higher court in Barcelona. It can then go to the Supreme Court in Madrid. More

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    Source of Dani Alves’ €1million bail revealed after rapist released from prison just weeks into 4.5 year sentence

    THE mystery behind who paid for disgraced footballer Dani Alves’ $1million (£850,000) bail has reportedly been revealed. Alves finally managed to stump up enough cash to walk free from prison on Monday, 25, after days of speculation over where the money was going to come from.The moment Alves walked out of jail on Monday 25, with his lawyerCredit: The Mega AgencyAlves returned to court for his agreed weekly visitsCredit: RexAlves’ wife Joana Sanz has reportedly been used to help Alves get the money needed to pay his bailCredit: GettyDespite earning over £45million across his successful career, Alves had his bank accounts frozen when he was sat in his jail cell meaning he couldn’t fund his own release.But Spanish journalist Marisa Martín Blazquez has seemingly spilled the beans on Alves’ saviour – a Brazilian magazine.Blazquez made the shocking revelation when speaking on Fiesta and claims they offered him the entire wad of money in exchange for an exclusive interview.Blazquez claimed: “The magazine, known in Brazil, does great reports on important people in Brazil, but also internationally.read more in Dani Alves”There are a series of requirements that must be met.”An interview would be being conducted as a video report on Alves’ story.”[The payment] would have been an advance as payment for that documentary-type interview that is being done.”One of the requirements Alves seemingly agreed to is to ensure his wife Joana Sanz will also speak to the magazine.Most read in FootballThe couple have been through a very turbulent past two years as Alves publicly admitted to cheating on Sanz with the woman who alleges she was raped.Sanz asked for a divorce as the star faced his rape trial but she did go on to back Alves in court claiming she was with him the night of the accusations.Moment rapist Dani Alves walks FREE from prison just weeks into his 4.5-year sentence after paying €1m bailBut it is currently uncertain what the pair’s status is after Joana accidentally shared a bizarre letter from her rapist ex where he declares his love for her from jail.She also momentarily deactivated her Instagram account just hours after he was granted release on bail.But Spanish media claims Sanz went to see her ex at his home just days after his release.The former Brazilian icon was convicted of raping a woman at a Barcelona nightclub and sentenced to four-and-a-half-years in jail.He has constantly said the sexual encounter was consensual. WHO COULD’VE PAID BAIL?The source of the large sum of cash Alves needed to escape prison has been hotly debated ever since the ex Barcelona ace was allowed to leave on bail.The figure was originally thought to be getting paid for by pal Neymar Jr’s father, said LaVanguardia.Neymar da Silva Santos Sr had been expected to help Alves pay the money to secure his freedom, but he issued a statement denying he would hand over any cash after coming under political pressure in his homeland.He said: “For us, for my family, this matter is over. Full stop.” Neymar’s father helped Alves out during his trial with other payments such as compensating the victim.But Neymar Sr said t’s a “different situation” now because a three judge panel at the Barcelona Provincial Court ruled against Alves at his trial.”With the Spanish court ruling for his conviction, there’s speculation and an attempt to associate my name and my son’s to a matter that is not within our reach any longer,” Neymar’s father said in a family statement.He added that he hopes Alves “can find all the answers he looks for in his own family.”The other person who was heavily rumoured to have assisted Alves was his former team mate at Barcelona, Memphis Depay.The Dutchman’s agent quickly shut down these reports however saying “this is fake news. It is false news, it is not true at all”.Alves and Sanz, before his rape conviction, at the mansion the footballer has been allowed to live in after making bailCredit: Instagram/danialvesThe former Barcelona ace has reportedly agreed to do an interview with a Brazilian magazine in return for the bail money they gave himCredit: AFPHis lawyer Ines Guardiola won an appeal to get Alves out of jail if he met the bail conditionsCredit: GettyALVES’ BAIL CONTROVERSYThe Barcelona court allowed Alves to walk free from his Brians 2 jail despite his recent rape conviction.Alves spent just weeks behind bars but his lawyer Ines Guardiola managed to win a bid to appeal the four-and-a-half year jail sentence.Where he is now living in the comfort of his £4million home in Esplugues de LLobregat – a 25-minute drive west of Barcelona – as his lawyers go through the appeal process, reports say.The bail conditions set by the court say Alves must stay at least 1,000m away from the home of the victim or any other place she frequently goes.He is also banned from ever contacting her and must handover his Brazilian and Spanish passports.The court feared Alves could leave Spain and travel to his native Brazil to try and avoid serving anymore jail time.The 23-year-old victim’s lawyer, Ester Garcia, described Alves’ release as “scandalous”, branding it as “justice for the rich”.As Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also condemned Alves’ release.He said: “The money that Daniel Alves has, the money that someone can lend him, cannot buy the offence that a man does to a woman by committing rape.”It comes as residents of Barcelona – where Alves was once seen as an icon – blasted the court’s ruling to free him on bail.One woman said: “I think it’s shameful and they are showing once again that woman don’t matter, that our rights don’t matter.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If you have money and you are a man, you can do whatever you want and you won’t have to pay.”As a man also gave his view saying “evil” things can’t be forgotten about simply because of money.Alves’ court case
    In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, Alves denied the allegation of rape against him saying the sexual encounter was completely consensual. 
    The three-day trial saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.
    His accuser told the prosecution she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but was then forced to stay after wanting to leave.
    She told the court Alves allegedly slapped and insulted her before forcing her into having sex.
    Alves did confirm he had sex with the woman in the nightclub’s toilet but insisted it was consensual.
    Alves was found guilty of rape and sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars.
    The court also ordered Alves to pay £130,000 (€150k) in compensation to the victim.
    He also faced a nine-and-a-half-year restraining order from the accuser.
    The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”
    Following the sentence, Alves was sent to Brians 2 prison in Barcelona.
    Despite filing for divorce in 2023 after the explosive accusations surfaced, Joana did back Alves when she took to the stand.
    During her testimony on February 6, 2024, Joana claimed they were not legally divorced and that she had been with Alves on the night of the accusation.
    Joana told the court Alves “smelled of alcohol” and “he bumped into several pieces of furniture and collapsed on the bed” after arriving home from the night out.
    But she said she didn’t want to talk to him because of “the state he was in”.
    A disgraced Alves publicly apologised to Joana during an interview from his prison cell in 2023.
    He told Spanish reporter Mayka Navarro: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.
    “I have already done that here in prison, but I have to do it publicly, because the story is public, the offence I caused her is public and she deserves that public apology.”

    Neymar’s father publicly denied report she was set to pay for Alves’ bailCredit: AFPThe 23-year-old victim’s lawyer, Ester Garcia, described Alves’ release as ‘scandalous’Credit: The Mega AgencyAlves was convicted of rape but only served a few weeks in jailCredit: Reuters More

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    Dani Alves’ ex-wife Joana Sanz ‘visits disgraced rapist Barcelona star at his £4.5million mansion after prison release’

    DISGRACED ex-Barcelona star Dani Alves has reportedly received a visit from his ex-partner just days after he released from prison.The former footballer’s estranged wife Joana Sanz went to see him at his home in Barcelona, according to Spanish media.Dani Alves arrives at a court in Barcelona on Thursday after he was released on bailCredit: SplashThe mansion in Esplugues where Alves is taking refuge; pictured some time ago with ex JoanaCredit: Instagram/danialvesAlves celebrates after winning the Copa America football tournament in Brazil in 2019Credit: AFPAlves, convicted of raping a woman at a Barcelona nightclub, won a fight to appeal his four-and-a-half-year jail sentence this month and was granted release from prison on bail last week.Within 24 hours, supermodel Joana, 31, had deactivated her Instagram account.Her Instagram profile is now back up and running, but she no longer follows Alves and has wiped her account of all pictures of him.Spanish program Fiesta, on Telecinco, has now reported Joana visited her ex at his home in Barcelona following his release from prison.Read more on Dani AlvesThe convicted rapist, 40, left Brians 2 Prison on Monday, having served just four weeks behind bars and managing to stump up the €1million (£850,000) cash he needed to make bail.He was silent as he walked out of the prison alongside his lawyer Ines Guardiola – past protesters holding signs – and straight into a car.Local reports said he left a bible, a fan, and a box of books at the prison for his former fellow innmates.Alves reportedly celebrated his first hours of freedom with an all-night party at his £4.5million mansion, which he still owns with Joana.Most read in FootballSoon after Alves returned to the property, a bouquet of flowers was delivered to the address.Some speculated the bouquet could have been a gift for the Tenerife-born brunette.A housekeeper appeared at the door of Alves’ mansion in Esplugues de Llobregat, a 25-minute drive west of Barcelona city centre, in the evening to receive some hamburgers Alves ordered for dinner.The ex-footballer has unfollowed all of the 1,376 people he once followed on Instagram, including his pal and fellow footballer Neymar and his ex-wife Joana.As of Saturday, he has 36.5 million followers, and follows no one.Despite winning the fight to appeal his sentence from the comfort of his own home, Alves will still need to appear at court once a week.He was also required to hand in his Spanish and Brazilian passports, so he cannot flee Spain.Rumours are swirling about how the former footballer managed to find the funds necessary to secure his bail.Some say his former teammates could have put the money together.It was also alleged that Alves called on Neymar’s father to pay his bail.Ex’s Joana Sanz and Dani Alves enjoy a boat dayCredit: instagramAlves pictured in his mansionCredit: Instagram/danialvesAlves and Joana arrive at The Best FIFA Football Awards in 2018Credit: Getty Images – GettyBrazilian ex-soccer star Dani Alves leaves Brians 2 penitentiary centre in Sant Esteve Sesrovires on MondayCredit: APWHAT HAPPENED?BRAZILIAN international footballer Dani Alves was accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.
    In a trial held in Barcelona in February 2024, the footballer denied the allegations and said the encounter had been consensual. 
    Held at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court, the trial lasted three days and saw the victim, witnesses, and experts testify.
    His accuser told the prosecution that she had willingly entered the bathroom with him, but that he forced her to stay after she wanted to leave.
    In court she claimed that he was aggressive with her, slapping her and insulting her, and then forced her to have sex with him.
    Following the trial, Alves was found guilty of raping the woman.
    He was convicted on February 22 and sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
    The court also ordered Alves to pay £130K (150,000 euros) in compensation to the victim.
    The court said in a statement: “The sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.”
    He had previously been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest on January 20, 2023.
    Alves’ lawyers immediately appealed his sentence.
    On March 20, 2024 – a Barcelona court released Alves on a bail of €1million (£850k) pending an appeal on his conviction.
    His defense is seeking his acquittal while the prosecutor wants his prison sentence increased to nine years.
    There is no date yet for the new trial at a higher court in Barcelona. It can then go to the Supreme Court in Madrid. More

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    Football-loving Evan Gershkovich is ‘thrilled’ by Arsenal tribute as family plead with Putin to free him from hellhole

    BY rights, Arsenal fan Evan Gershkovich should be savouring the Gunners’ end-of-season title race from a comfy seat at the Emirates Stadium.Instead, he still languishes in Moscow’s grim Lefortovo Prison where Soviet tyrant Joseph Stalin once caged his enemies.Journalist Evan Gershkovich is languishing in Moscow’s grim Lefortovo PrisonCredit: APA banner is displayed in support of Evan prior to the Premier League match of his favourite team ArsenalCredit: GettyElla Milman, Danielle and Mikhail Gershkovich, mother, sister and father have put out an emotional plea, a year one from his captureCredit: AFPIt’s now a year since the brilliant young American reporter was held on trumped-up spying charges by Vladimir Putin’s regime — yet the Arsenal faithful have not forgotten one of their own.Twice this season fans have raised banners in the North Bank stand bearing his image and demanding #freeevan.His friend and fellow London-based Wall Street Journal reporter Eliot Brown told The Sun that the gesture by Gunners fans had left Evan “thrilled”.Although he is locked up with a cell mate for 23 hours a day, news of the placards filtered through via letters he is permitted to receive.READ MORE ON RUSSIAFellow Arsenal supporter Andrew Allen — who helped to organise the demonstrations — said: “The banners are a small gesture but Evan was just doing his job and he’s now living through hell.“As fellow Arsenal fans we thought we’d do our bit to keep his story in the spotlight.”Now the North Bank is planning more #freeevan protests after the innocent reporter was told by a Russian court on Tuesday that his pre-trial detention was being extended by a further three months.’Strong & resilient’Afterwards in the News UK offices in London — which the Journal’s UK bureau shares with The Sun — hundreds of sombre staff held up #istandwithEVAN posters.Most read in FootballThe 32-year-old reporter is the first US journalist to be charged with spying by Russia since the Cold War, and faces a possible 20-year prison sentence if convicted.America’s ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, said he remained “strong and resilient” and added that it was “a tragedy that he is awaiting trial for a crime he did not commit”.Falsely jailed reporter Evan Gershkovich must be freed NOW after one year in Russian prisonThe bitter irony is that Evan loves Russia.He was born in Princeton, New Jersey, after his Jewish parents Mikhail and Ella had fled rising anti-Semitism in the Soviet Union.He and his elder sister Danielle grew up speaking Russian at home.At five Evan began playing football, which soon became “all-encompassing”, and Danielle said: “I remember him coming home from school and practising against the back of the garage.Bilingual skills “He would be out there and you would hear it — kick, kick, kick. I remember him being obsessed with Pele, his first big soccer idol.“Later he was into Thierry Henry, which led him to Arsenal.”Thatcher Foster, a teammate of Evan’s at youth team Princeton Spartak, said: “Football was such a big part of Evan’s identity.“Each year he would get around five different Arsenal kits.”After leaving school he became a journalist, using his bilingual skills to secure a reporter’s job on the online Moscow Times in Russia.There he bonded with colleague Pjotr Sauer over their love of Arsenal.The banners are a small gesture but Evan was just doing his job and he’s now living through hellFellow Arsenal supporter Andrew Allen Pjotr, who writes to Evan in prison to update him on their team’s fortunes, said: “Evan knew everything about Arsenal. I wasn’t expecting to meet a fellow Gunner who was an American guy.”After six years of working in Russia Evan moved to the globally-renowned Wall Street Journal in January 2022, a month before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.The journalist divided his time between London and reporting stints in Russia as the war ragedCredit: APAccredited by the Kremlin as a reporter, he divided his time between London and reporting stints in Russia as the war raged.Eliot, his colleague at the Journal’s London office, said: “We’d go out for beers and just talk about journalism and current events.“He has a million thoughts on everything. He is a fantastically talented young journalist.”But working in Moscow was becoming increasingly perilous.In July 2022, Evan tweeted: “Reporting on Russia is now a regular practice of watching people you know get locked away for years.”He assumed his phone was being tapped and he had been followed and filmed when on assignment.On March 29, 2023, Evan travelled to Yekaterinburg, nearly 900 miles east of Moscow, on a reporting trip.Constant brightnessHe was arrested at a steakhouse and led away with his head hooded.Conditions in Lefortovo prison are wretched.Evan is allowed out of his cell for just one hour a day.He usually spends it walking in one of the small courtyards on the prison roof, watched by armed guards.Cells are brightly lit, even at night.President Biden has pledged to do “whatever it takes” to bring him home, while Nato and the EU have also demanded his release.During several court appearances Evan has smiled for the cameras and looked remarkably relaxed.My brother is not a spy. He’s a journalistDanielle Gershkovich His mum Ella described one hearing in June: “We went and stood next to him, and immediately, Evan was talking and joking.“We were laughing. Russians don’t expect laughter in a court. Crying — that’s what they expect.”Evan spends his time keeping fit, reading Russian novels and answering letters from family and friends.The Arsenal results normally filter through to him two weeks late and he can watch limited match highlights on Russian TV.Pal Pjotr said: “He is very happy about how they are playing but obviously upset he can’t see for himself.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd sister Danielle has a heartfelt message for Putin: “My brother is not a spy. He’s a journalist.“Please, I just want him home.”Evan is allowed out of his cell for just one hour a dayCredit: AP More

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    Shameless rapist Dani Alves hosts all-night party at his £4.5m mansion just HOURS after prison release on €1m bail

    DISGRACED rapist Dani Alves celebrated his first hours of freedom with an all-night party at his £4.5million mansion.The former Barcelona star was released after serving just four weeks of his rape conviction as he paid his €1million (£850,000) bail.Dani Alves walked out of prison after serving four weeks of his sentenceThe footballer is said to have thrown a big party at his luxurious mansion in EspluguesCredit: InstagramThe Barcelona ace partied until 5 in the morning in a celebration of his dad’s birthdayCredit: Instagram/danialvesThe Brazilian was convicted of raping a woman at a nightclub in December 2022 and was handed a four-and-a-half-year sentence.But after winning his fight to appeal his sentence from home Alves, 40, was pictured walking out of Brians 2 Prison on Monday alongside his lawyer Ines Guardiola.And after craving burgers for dinner following his release, the ex-Barca star pulled an all-nighter with his friends and family until 5 in the morning, according to Spanish reports.Alves is reported to have celebrated his dad’s recent birthday in a lavish party at his villa in Esplugues de Llobregat which he still owns with his ex-wife Joana Sanz.READ MORE IN DANI ALVESFriends and family of the footballer celebrated Domingos Alves Da Silva’s birthday at a dinner party in Barcelona before heading to Alves’s pad to continue, reports the Spanish TV program This is Life.And on Wednesday Alves was visited by two men who declined to respond to journalists’ questions or confirm whether they were the footballer’s friends, according to La Razon.The ex-Barcelona ace was pictured stone-faced as he walked through his mansion’s front door on Monday.In the evening, a housekeeper appeared at the door to receive the hamburgers Alves ordered for dinner.Most read in FootballA bouquet of flowers was delivered to the property soon after Alves returned, fuelling rumours it was a gift for his Tenerife-born ex-wife whose whereabouts remain a mystery.Sanz is yet to update her Instagram after deactivating it last week and then mysteriously reactivating it over the weekend before Alves’ release on bail.Apart from his €1million bail bond, Alves has to appear in court every Friday.He also had to hand in his Spanish and Brazilian passports so he could not flee Spain.In February, Alves, who played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, was convicted of raping a woman, 23, at a Barcelona nightclub.He received a sentence of four and a half years – far less than the nine years public prosecutors demanded and the 12 years Alves’ accuser wanted if he was convicted.Alves took the stand on the final day of his three-day trial maintaining his innocence and insisting the sex he had with his accuser was consensual.The victim accused Alves of forcing her to have sex in a private bathroom of the nightclub despite begging him to let her go.Alves’ lawyers had argued the victim had been “glued” to the player while dancing at the nightclub, saying there was “sexual tension” between them.But the court said in its 61-page decision that this did not mean “that she consented to anything that might have subsequently happened”.The footballer struggled to raise funds for his bail bond as his accounts in Brazil were blocked amid an ongoing conflict with his ex-wife.Ester Garcia, the lawyer of Alves’ rape victim, attacked the decision to grant him bail last Wednesday.She fumed on RAC1 radio: “I’m very surprised and totally outraged… because it’s like this is justice for the rich.”Garcia added: “It is scandalous that they can free a person who they know can get hold of a million euros in a heartbeat.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShe added: “I am very dissatisfied with this court decision. “We will lodge an appeal because we believe it is not in accordance with the law.”Alves was able to walk out of prison after he paid his €1million (£850,000) bailThe footballer had burgers delivered at his home after he was released from prisonCredit: Telecinco More

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    Disgraced Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales facing 2.5 YEARS in prison and £85,000 payout over World Cup kiss scandal

    THE axed Spanish FA chief who planted an unwanted kiss on a Women’s World Cup winner’s lips should be jailed for two-and-a-half years, prosecutors say.Disgraced Luis Rubiales should also pay £85,000 compensation to victim Jenni Hermoso if convicted of sexual assault and covering up the infamous “Kissgate” scandal.Luis Rubiales could face two and a half years in prisonCredit: APThe axed Spanish FA chief planted an unwanted kiss on a Women’s World Cup winner’s lipsCredit: GettyThe moment where Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales kisses Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lipsCredit: EnterpriseLuis Rubiales and Piers Morgan on Talk TVCredit: Talk TVThe demands were laid out in a six-page indictment made public yesterday amid continuing fall-out 46-year-old Rubiales’s behaviour at the World Cup Final in Australia last year.Prosecutors say his unseemly conduct – beamed worldwide on TV – warrants a one-year jail term for a sexual assault.But they are also demanding a separate one-year and six month prison sentence for “coercion” linked to his alleged attempts to get Jenni, 33, to speak out in his defence.Madrid-based judge Francisco de Jorge paved the way for Rubiales to face criminal action earlier this year after recommending he be put in the dock.Read more on Luis RubialesHe said his long-running probe had uncovered “solid evidence” pointing to the potential illegality of the kiss.Mr de Jorge has already quizzed the former football boss and his alleged victim separately in closed sessions at Spain’s national court.He said: “The investigation has revealed the existence of solid evidence the kiss was not consensual and was a unilateral and surprise initiative on his part.“Whether there was not any erotic intention or it was a result of the state of euphoria … is something that should be valued in a public trial.”Most read in FootballHe said he had concluded Hermoso had been left “bewildered and surprised” by the “unexpected” kiss and “didn’t have time to react”.Rubiales grabbed her by the head with both hands and locked lips with her at the awards ceremony in front of millions of TV viewers watching live last August.Spain FA chief Rubiales enters women’s dressing room and vows to MARRY Hermoso and take stars to Ibiza after kiss stormRubiales’ home was raided earlier this month as part of a separate corruption probe into a deal to move the Super Cup to Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyA Europol agent and several agents from the Guardia Civil’s Central Operational Unit leave the Royal Spanish Football Federation last week in MadridCredit: GettyHe also proposed former Spain’s women’s team manager Jorge Vilda, men’s team director Albert Luque and former FA marketing director Ruben Rivera should face trial.Mr de Jorge said in his written ruling he believed there was enough evidence to proceed with a formal accusation against all three for their “concerted action” to nobble Jenni.He said Rubiales and the rio tried to “break Jennifer Hermoso’s will and get her to agree to record a video saying the kiss had been consensual”.The judge concluded in his bombshell ruling: “The pressure the player was submitted to created in Jennifer Hermoso a situation of anxiety and intense stress.”Public prosecutors said yesterday they were seeking prison sentences of one year and six months for Vilda, Luque and Rivera if convicted of coercion.Hermoso, 33, who now plays for Mexican side Tigres, sparked the Audiencia Nacional investigation by filing a complaint against Rubiales last September.She his unsolicited smacker as a sexist act which left her feeling vulnerable – after Rubiales insisted it was consensual and “a peck”.Mr de Jorge banned him from going within 200 metres of Hermoso or making any contact with her.Defiant Rubiales pledged “I will defend my honourability. I will defend my innocence.“I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth. Thanks to everybody.”Rubiales is at the centre of a separate corruption probe over to a multi-million euro deal to relocate the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.He is currently in the Dominican Republic but has promised to return to Spain to defend himself.An apartment belonging to the former Spanish FA chief was searched earlier this month.And today, six suspects have been arrested after state prosecutors raided 11 premises around Spain as part of the Saudi Arabia cup probe, Sky News reported.The offices of the Spanish Football Federation on the outskirts of Madrid were searched, along with Rubiales’ residence in the southern city of Granada.However, Spain’s Guardia Civil stated that the former president was not one of the six arrested and was out of the country when authorities raided his property.READ MORE SUN STORIESRubiales is one of five persons formally under investigation, according to authorities.The office of Spain’s state prosecutors stated that police and Europol detectives were looking for papers and that the operation is expected to result in seven arrests and the identification of five additional persons as under investigation.Luis Rubiales resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following criticism over the ‘Kissgate’ scandalCredit: Getty More