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      Former pro-footballer Wayne Heseltine fined after his XL Bully Bruno mauled dog and its owner 

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      An EX-Manchester United footballer has been fined after his XL bully bit a labrador and its owner in a vicious attack.Wayne Heseltine’s dog Bruno had to be pulled off the labrador, called Daisy, by her horrified owner who thought he was ‘going to watch her die’.
      Ex professional footballer Wayne Heseltine appeared at Bradford Magistrates CourtCredit: SWNS
      Bradford Magistrates Court heard two-year-old Bruno sprinted towards Daisy while she was on a walk with her owner in the Cullingworth area of the city on June 24.
      Bruno appeared to lock his jaw around Daisy’s neck, leaving her helpless on the floor, the court was told.
      Heseltine’s son then came out of the house and helped pull the two dogs apart.
      Heseltine, who was out of the house at the time, admitted to being the owner of a dog which was dangerously out of control causing injury and was fined £960.
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      The former full back, who came through the Red Devils’ youth academy but never made a first team appearance, also has to pay £1,000 in compensation.
      Daisy was taken to the vets for cuts on her neck, while her owner sustained injuries to his hand.
      In a statement read out in court, the victim said: “I felt extremely distressed. I felt like I was going to watch Daisy die.”
      Heseltine, who was not at the house at the time, said the dog escaped through a hole in the fence behind the bin store. He also wanted to pay for the vet bills.
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      The court heard he had no previous convictions and a “shield of good character”.
      He owns three other dogs and spent £2,800 on a four-week course to get Bruno home-trained.
      Heseltine, who played more than 50 games for Bradford City between 1992 and 1994, now earns around £50,000 a year as a contract manager, the court heard.
      The court heard magistrates recognised Heseltine had taken all the reasonable steps that a good owner would have taken.
      But they said the matter was “serious” and referenced the breed of dog as in the public interest given the imminent legislation.
      An order was issued meaning the dog must have a muzzle and lead on when in public.
      American XL Bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year, PM Rishi Sunak announced in September after a spate of terrifying attacks involving the breed.
      The PM said the breed will be outlawed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
      From December 31, XL bully dogs must be microchipped, and owners must keep them on a lead and muzzled in public. They must also be securely housed at home. More

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      Vile football fan swerves jail for mocking supporters with Bradley Lowery pic for ‘banter’

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      A VILE football fan has swerved jail after he used a picture of tragic Bradley Lowery to mock Sunderland supporters for “banter”.Dale Houghton was seen smiling as he held up the image of the youngster, who died from cancer aged six, during a Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland game.
      Dale Houghton held up the photo to mock Sunderland fans
      He pleaded guilty after his sick act drew criticism from all football fansCredit: Facebook
      Bradley tragically died from cancer aged just sixCredit: PA:Press Association
      The 31-year-old admitted causing harassment, alarm and distress after his vile act drew criticism from all football supporters.
      Houghton appeared at Sheffield Crown Court today where he avoided jail.
      He was instead handed a 12 week sentence suspended for 18 months.
      Houghton also received a five-year football banning order and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
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      District Judge Marcus Waite said his actions were “utterly appalling” and “disgraceful”.
      He added: “You showed callous disrespect to a brave young man who was rightly held in the highest esteem by football fans everywhere.”
      The sentence comes after Bradley’s mum Gemma previously slammed the “unforgivable” act, which took place on September 29.
      In a victim impact statement, she said: “This image made me feel so many emotions. I find it hard to put into words.
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      “It is not just disrespectful to Bradley but also to other people who are going through the emotional trauma of dealing with cancer.
      “This image portrays negatively. I feel upset that these two men used this image to get a reaction from Sunderland fans. It was unforgivable.
      “I have nothing but loving memories of Bradley.”
      The court heard how Houghton’s antics had caused a “huge public revulsion”.
      Prosecutor Jade Short said the shamed football fan found it “enjoyable banter” as he was smiling throughout.
      The court was also told Houghton has lost his job as a window fitter following the sick act and is facing a ban from attending matches.
      Connie Combs, defending, said Houghton realised he was “out of line” and was “disgusted” by his actions.
      South Yorkshire Police have applied for a football banning order.
      A 27-year-old man who was also arrested has been released on bail while investigations continue.
      Brave Bradley’s battle with against rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma captured the nation’s hearts.
      He was diagnosed with the aggressive disease when he was just 18 months old, and tumours spread through his chest, lungs, lymph nodes, bone and bone marrow.
      After major surgery and gruelling chemotherapy, he pulled through and went into remission for 18 months.
      But the cancer returned in 2016, with his family dealt the crushing blow his disease was terminal.
      The footie-mad youngster had struck up a close bond with Sunderland captain Jermain Defoe, who led him out on to the pitch before several matches.
      Tragically, Bradley died in July 2017 in his devastated parents’ arms, with Defoe paying an emotional tribute to his “best pal”.
      Speaking after Houghton pleaded guilty last month, the ex-England star said he was “appalled and saddened”.
      Defoe said: “My thoughts at this time go out to Gemma and Carl [Bradley’s parents], who shouldn’t have to deal with incidents like this, but rather be praised for the amazing work they are doing with the Bradley Lowery Foundation in their son’s memory.
      “I urge the public to stand behind the family and continue support the Foundation and its projects.
      “Bradley was one of the most inspirational children this world has ever seen, and he will never stop inspiring us.
      “We love and miss you Brad. Love, your best friend forever.”
      Houghton arrives at court todayCredit: PA
      Bradley’s mum Gemma said the act was ‘unforgivable’Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Jermain Defoe, who developed a close bond with Bradley, also condemned Houghton’s actionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Ex-Premier League striker JAILED for failing to pay his beauty queen ex-wife £70,000

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      A FORMER Premier League striker has been jailed for a year after failing to pay £70,000 to his beauty queen ex-wife.Ex-Aston Villa striker Bosko Balaban, 45, failed to pay financial support to model Iva Radic, who was named Miss Croatia in 1995.
      Ex-Aston Villa striker Bosko Balaban was jailed for a year for failing to pay his ex-wifeCredit: Getty
      Balaban won’t be able to escape prison even if he pays the £70,000 owedCredit: Instagram @_boskobalaban_
      The footballer’s ex-wife is model Iva Radic, who was named Miss Croatia in 1995Credit: Instagram
      Balaban was married to Radic for more than a decade before getting divorced in 2017 and the pair have three children together – two daughters and a son.
      But the former Croatia international was given a conditional sentence of one year and four years of probation in 2021 as a result of overdue maintenance money.
      After failing to stick to the adhered time frame, the 45-year-old was imprisoned for one year in January with four years suspended, Belgian outlet HLN reports.
      The report says a court in Zagreb handed down the sentence and that there is ‘no escape’ from prison time, saying that he would still be jailed even if he paid the overdue money.
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      The former center-forward is best known for his four-year stint at Club Brugge, where he scored 58 goals in 118 appearances.
      He did, however, have a brief time at Aston Villa, appearing only eight times in the 2001/02 season without scoring.
      The following season, he was loaned to Dinamo Zagreb, the club from which Villa had purchased him only a year before.
      Balaban was ridiculed as one of the biggest flop signings of the Premier League era after Villa forked out £5.8million for his services – quite a lofty fee for 2001.
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      He has since worked as an agent after hanging up his boots, representing players such as ex-Leicester star Andrej Kramaric.
      Iva Radic has 113,000 Instagram followers and is frequently seen posting glamorous snaps.
      The model has also showcased her work with fashion giants Paco Rabanne, H&M and Chanel.
      In October, a former West Ham player who tried to help sell a £1.9million antique vase stolen during a heist at a Switzerland museum was jailed.
      Kaine Wright, 26, was caught in an undercover police sting along with accomplices Leslie Nkhwa, 47, and David Lamming, 31.
      The “rare pomegranate vase from the Yongle Period (1403-1425AD)” was stolen during a raid at the Musee des Arts d’Extreme-Orient in Geneva in June 2019.
      The trio attempted to flog it for £1million but later dropped the price to £450,000 in cash.
      It had been valued by experts for insurance purposes at £1.96million.
      Wright and Lamming were today jailed for three years after they were convicted of conspiracy to convert criminal property.
      Nkhwa, who pleaded guilty to the same charge, was handed a two-and-a-half year sentence.
      Southwark Crown Court heard the plot unfolded on July 30, 2020, when a man called Mr Steel emailed the China Guardian auction house in Hong Kong asking for a valuation.
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      The seller, later identified as Lamming, included photos of the item, which were compared with the stolen vase.
      Lamming also emailed the Art Loss Register based in Hatton Garden saying he was in touch with someone who had a vase that had been stolen from Switzerland.
      The former Croatia international was given a conditional sentence of one year and four years of probation in 2021Credit: Getty
      Iva Radic has 113,000 Instagram followers and is frequently seen posting glamorous snaps onlineCredit: Instagram More

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      Major boost for Mason Greenwood’s Man Utd return hopes as CEO Richard Arnold leaves club before ‘takeover’

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      HOPES of Mason Greenwood returning to Man United may have been given a boost today – after the man who sacked him leaves the club.CEO Richard Arnold will depart Old Trafford before the end of the year.
      Richard Arnold is set to leave his role as Manchester United CEOCredit: AFP
      Manchester United General Counsel Patrick Stewart has been appointed interim CEOCredit: Getty
      Greenwood sealed a shock season-long loan move to LaLiga side Getafe on transfer deadline day to end the 18-month exileCredit: Rex
      Patrick Stewart, United’s general counsel, will remain in post but also be interim CEO.
      Greenwood “mutually agreed” to leave United on August 21 following his January 2022 arrest for attempted rape and sexual assault which saw him suspended from the club.
      He was charged in October that year but all charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
      It was Stewart who helped conduct an internal Man United investigation into Greenwood which ruled he should return.
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      But Richard Arnold did not follow this recommendation.
      He was previously reported to have been considering giving the star a second chance following an internal investigation by the club.
      But backlash from fans and protests outside Old Trafford saw Arnold reconsider and he sent Greenwood packing.
      In a statement in August, Man United said they “recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career” at the club.
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      They said his exit was the “most appropriate” result from the saga, adding: “We will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
      Arnold added: “This case has provoked strong opinions, and it is my responsibility to minimise any distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club.”
      The controversial striker, 21, sealed a shock season-long loan move to LaLiga side Getafe on transfer deadline day to end the 18-month exile.
      There is no suggestion Patrick Stewart will bring Greenwood back.
      Arnold had been United’s CEO since succeeding Ed Woodward in February, 2022.
      He entered the football world when he joined United in 2007, initially being appointed a group commercial director.
      It comes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Sport is set to confirm its acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in the club.
      Joel Glazer, Executive Co-Chairman, said in a statement: “I would like to thank Richard for his outstanding service to Manchester United over the past 16 years, and wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
      “We are fortunate to be able to call on the deep knowledge and experience of Patrick Stewart to provide interim stability and continuity as we embark on a search for a new permanent CEO.” More

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      Ex-Man City star Robinho comes step closer to having to serve nine-year jail sentence for rape in Brazil

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      FORMER PREMIER LEAGUE star Robinho has come a step closer to having to serve his nine-year jail sentence for rape in Brazil.Last November Italian authorities asked Brazilian officials to make the former Real Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester City forward do his prison time in his homeland after his extradition was ruled out for legal reasons.
      Robinho’s nine-year jail sentence has moved a step closerCredit: PA:Press Association
      The former Brazil striker was sentenced for rapeCredit: Getty
      Yesterday public prosecutors in Brazil said they thought the footballer, 39, could and should be jailed there.
      They told the country’s High Court of Justice it was in line with national legislation and would serve the twin purposes of demonstrating the country’s efforts in combating crime and judicial cooperation.
      The possibility that Robinho will do prison time in Italy following his 2017 conviction for sexual assault in a Milan nightclub and the failure of his appeals against his nine year sentence, has been ruled out because Brazil doesn’t extradite its citizens sentenced abroad.
      Local reports said Brazil’s Public Prosecutor’s Office had indicated in its communication with the High Court of Justice that a failure to heed the Italian request risked allowing Robinho to flout the law with impunity.
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      He was one of a group of six men convicted of sexually assaulting an Albanian woman in a Milan club on January 22, 2013 while he was playing for AC Milan.
      The news was made public in November 2017.
      Robinho, whose real name is Robson de Souza, re-signed with boyhood club Santos for a fourth stint in October 2020 but less than a week later his contract was ended by mutual consent.
      The decision was taken after leading sponsor Orthopride cut its ties with the club in reaction to the deal because of his Italian rape conviction.
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      Speaking after the Santos announcement, the striker took to Instagram to admit: “Guys, this is Robinho.
      “Of course, with a lot of sadness in my heart, I’m here to tell you that I made the decision with the club president to suspend my contract at this troubled time in my life.
      “My goal has always been to help Santos Football Club and if in any way I’m getting in the way, it’s best I leave and focus on my personal things.”
      Since then he has updated his social media on just a handful of occasions, wishing his two million fans Happy New Year with posts on January 1, 2022 and again in January this year.
      Robinho’s lawyers have said their client had consensual sexual relations at a bar with a young woman, along with five of his friends.
      They have not yet commented on the positioning of Brazil’s Public Prosecutor’s Office about the former footballer going to prison in his home country. More

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      What are the accusations against Dani Alves?

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      DANI Alves is one of the most decorated footballers of all time, having won a number of Europe’s top leagues and lifting the Champions League trophy three times.The former Barcelona defender has been accused of sexual assault and is understood to be denying any wrongdoing — but what are the accusations against him and will he stand trial?
      Alves was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrestCredit: Getty
      What has Dani Alves been accused of?
      Dani Alves has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30, 2022.
      At first he claimed to have never met the woman in question, before backtracking at a later date and saying the pair had consensual sex, according to reports.
      It was also initially reported he had put his hands down a woman’s underwear in the club’s VIP area’s toilets, but it later emerged the 23-year-old was alleging she had been the victim of rape.
      The fact Alves changed his story was reportedly key to the decision to remand him in custody.
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      It came after CCTV footage published by Spanish media was said to show him and the alleged victim in a VIP area and then going to the toilet for 47 seconds.
      The accuser said that after the alleged attack she was too scared to leave the toilet for several minutes, and when she finally opened the door the footballer and his companions had left the venue.
      Alves, a father of two, was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest at the start of 2023.
      What has Dani Alves said about the accusations?
      In a Spanish TV interview following the confirmation of a formal investigation being opened, Alves said: “I don’t know who this lady is.
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      “I don’t know her name, I don’t know her, I’ve never seen her in my life.”
      In June 2023, during an interview from his prison cell with Spanish reporter Mayka Navarro, Alves also said: “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.”
      Alves continued: “I entered the nightclub bathroom after her.
      “I didn’t even lock the door. The door was open all the time. She could have left at any time because I spent virtually all my time in there sat on the toilet seat.”
      Will Dani Alves stand trial?
      Alves will stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub in late 2022.
      Three judges at Barcelona’s Provincial Court announced their decision in an eight-page legal ruling made public on November 14, 2023.
      The document read: “We consider there is sufficient prima facie evidence at this stage to agree the opening of the trial in the terms requested by state prosecutors and the prosecutor acting privately for the alleged victim.
      “The statements the alleged victim has made and witness evidence and expert reports that form part of these proceedings can be considered as sufficient in that regard, without prejudice to the final verdict.”
      Alves’ lawyer is expected to insist his client should be acquitted of any wrongdoing.
      A date for the trial hasn’t been set yet, but it is likely to take place at the start of next year.
      According to reports in Spanish outlets, Alves could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
      Where is Dani Alves now?
      Alves is currently incarcerated.
      Read More on The Sun
      He is being detained at the Brians 2 prison in Catalonia, Spain.
      Alves was held at the Brians 1 Penitentiary Centre initially, but was transferred to Brians 2 three days after his arrest. More

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      Brazil star Dani Alves ordered to stand trial accused of sexually assaulting woman in Barcelona nightclub toilet

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      FORMER Barcelona footballer Dani Alves will stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub late last year.The 40-year-old Brazil international has been kept in preventative custody since he was arrested on January 20.
      Dani Alves was arrested in Barcelona on January 20
      Alves of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during a match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna at Camp Nou in March 2022Credit: Getty
      The Sutton Nightclub in Barcelona where Alves has been accused of sexually assaulting a womanCredit: TripAdvisor
      Dani Alves and his wife Joana SanzCredit: Instagram @joanasanz
      Three judges at Barcelona’s Provincial Court announced their decision in an eight-page legal ruling made public today.
      The document read: “We consider there is sufficient prima facie evidence at this stage to agree the opening of the trial in the terms requested by state prosecutors and the prosecutor acting privately for the alleged victim.
      “The statements the alleged victim has made and witness evidence and expert reports that form part of these proceedings can be considered as sufficient in that regard, without prejudice to the final verdict.”
      State prosecutors and Alves’ lawyer will now have five working days to present their indictments outlining the prison sentence, fines, and compensation orders they are seeking if the footballer is found guilty.
      Read more on Dani Alves
      Alves’ lawyer is expected to insist his client should be acquitted of any wrongdoing.
      A date for the trial is yet to be set, though it will likely take place in the first part of next year.
      The footballer could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted, according to Spanish reports.
      Alves was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30 last year.
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      A judge ordered he be jailed without bail after hearing testimonies from Alves, the alleged victim, and witnesses.
      It was initially reported he had put his hands down a woman’s underwear in the nightclub’s VIP area toilets, but it later emerged the 23-year-old was alleging she had been raped.
      Alves, a dad of two, was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest at the start of the year.
      He claimed to have never met the woman in question, then later backtracked and said the pair had in fact had consensual sex.
      His lawyer reportedly said his initial story came about as Alves did not want his wife, Spanish model Joana Sanz, to find out about his infidelity.
      In an interview from his prison cell with Spanish TV and newspaper reporter Mayka Navarro, Alves said: “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.”
      Alves, who is set to remain in prison until his trial, continued: “I entered the nightclub bathroom after her [the alleged victim].
      “I didn’t even lock the door. The door was open all the time. She could have left at any time because I spent virtually all my time in there sat on the toilet seat.”
      He accused the alleged victim of being “badly advised”, adding: “I can only think that she felt bad after having sex, that she took a decision and that she has not been capable of getting herself out of the mess she’s got into and has got me into.
      “I appeal to her conscience. There hasn’t been a single night that I haven’t slept well. Not a single night. My conscience is clear.
      “I’ve never voluntarily hurt anyone. And I didn’t hurt her that night either.
      “I don’t know if her conscience is clear and if she sleeps well at night. But I forgive her.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Alves is widely considered one of the greatest full-backs of all time and has played for Seville, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Sao Paulo, as well as Barcelona.
      He became the oldest player to represent Brazil at the World Cup last December in Qatar. More

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      Man arrested over depraved killing of Brighton footballer Jorelyn Carabali’s brother

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      A MAN has been nicked over the murder of Brighton women’s footballer Jorelyn Carabali’s brother.The suspect has been remanded in custody pending an ongoing criminal probe by an investigating judge.
      A man has been nicked over the murder of Brighton women’s footballer Jorelyn Carabali’s brotherCredit: Alamy
      Luis Ocampo — also known as Pipe Pollo — was held in the Colombian city of Cali.
      Jorelyn, 26, whose team won 1-0 at Manchester City in the Women’s Super League at the weekend, posted a Bible verse on her Instagram as news of the arrest broke.
       It said: “Have faith and smile, because God loves you.”
      Cali prosecution chief Sandra Eugenia Gonzalez Mina said yesterday: “The suspected killer of the brother of our Colombian international footballer Jorelyn Carabali has been detained and sent to prison pending a formal ongoing investigation.”
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      She added: “Thanks to the work of police and prosecutors the identity of the man who allegedly assassinated Jorelyn’s brother has been established.
      “The victim was shot six times, four in the face.
      “The evidence gathered so far points to the alleged aggressor having a row in the disco that night with the victim as well as a year ago and leaving the nightclub to get a firearm before returning and shooting him.”
      Jorelyn lost another brother, Juan, 15, in 2017. He was shot while at a football match.
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