Courts

DISGRACED footballer Dani Alves has returned £130,000 he borrowed from Neymar’s family to get his rape sentence slashed, his lawyer revealed.The former Barcelona full-back, 40, used the money to mitigate his sentence after he was convicted for raping a woman in a nightclub toilet.Dani Alves and his lawyer Ines Guardiola arriving at the Barcelona Courts this morningCredit: SplashGuardiola revealed that Alves returned thousands of Euros borrowed from Neymar’s familyCredit: SplashNeymar and Alves had been friends for years, pictured here during their time at PSGCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Al-Hilal star and his family helped Alves with a six-figure assistanceCredit: @neymarjr/CENAlves spent just four weeks of his sentence behind bars after his rape conviction – stumping up £850,000 to be released on bail.He has now returned €150,000 (£128,000) he had borrowed from Neymar to mitigate his sentence.The footballer’s lawyer, Inés Guardiola, told Brazilian paper Folha de S. Paulo he used the amount as a “mitigation to repair the damage caused”. The money was an attempt to get Alves’ prison time cut in half, but it is not known how much the compensation influenced the sentence.Read more on Dani AlvesGuardiola added that, as his assets in Brazil were blocked, Alves asked pals to help hand over the money to court. One of the helping hands was the Al-Hilal star.”Dani Alves returned the €150,000 to Neymar a week ago,” she said on Wednesday.A helping handNeymar’s dad had previously opened up about helping Alves with a six-figure assistance, saying it was “a burden he preferred to have”.Neymar Santos Sr told CNN: “The family asked us for help. Daniel didn’t have the money to defend himself, and the deadline for paying the defense was expiring.Most read in Football”Think about it, at no time could I deny help to a friend who is trying to defend himself against an accusation.”It is understood the amount provided was around $164,000 (£131,000), EssentiallySports reports.Moment rapist Dani Alves walks FREE from prison just weeks into his 4.5-year sentence after paying €1m bailNeymar da Silva Santos Sr released an 11-word statement after refusing to pay Dani Alves’ bailCredit: AFPDani Alves leaving jail in March after serving just four weeks of his sentenceThe disgraced footballer has been coming to court every weekCredit: SplashNeymar Sr added: “Daniel is in pre-trial detention and has not been tried.”To date, the presumption of innocence is valid throughout the world. I couldn’t turn my back… What if the court decides that Daniel is innocent?”I preferred having the burden of believing in a friend than turning my back on someone.”There is still no confirmation of who paid the player’s bail to be provisionally released.But Neymar’s dad was quick to shut down claims he was all but ready to assist Alves and pay for the hefty bail price.He issued a brutal 11-word statement confirming he refused to pay the convicted rapist’s £850,000 bail.Neymar Santos Sr said in a family statement: “For us, for my family, this matter is over. Full stop.”It continued: “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.”Before adding that Neymar Sr hopes Alves “can find all the answers he looks for in his own family”.Beast’s ‘comeback’After being spotted arriving in court trying to go incognito, Alves is now hoping for a shocking football comeback, it has been claimed.Looking to restore his public image, he wants to eventually make a shocking comeback to the sport, El Pais reports.Spanish journalist Jesus Garcia Bueno, who has covered the case extensively, claims that he doesn’t expect to return as a player on the field itself.He was freed from prison near Barcelona in March on bail after serving a few weeks of his four-and-a-half year sentence.Alves is reportedly spending most of his time hunkering down in his £4m Spanish home with estranged wife Joana Sanz.But the former footballer did recently visit a high-end Barcelona hotel, enjoying wagyu beef steak with a friend, El Periodico reports.The pair reportedly dined on a variety of expensive dishes from the steakhouse restaurant as Alves spoke to press about his parole terms.Alves told a reporter he has to “play a game” in court during weekly appearances while on bail.He said: “It’s what I have to do. Every Friday I go to court and that’s it. I don’t have much else to do either.”The game I have to play is in the courts.”The 40-year-old also boasted about his experience in prison, saying “Wherever I go I survive”.”I adapt to everything because for me it is not the place that makes the person, but the person that makes the place,” he went on.READ MORE SUN STORIESStruggling financially since losing his income and hefty sponsorship, the shamed footballer does not expect football clubs or companies to return even if he is acquitted, El Pais reports.It is not clear exactly in what role he plans to return to the world of professional football.Alves playing for Barcelona two years ago in SpainCredit: GettyDani Alves and his on-off wife Joana Sanz pictured in 2021Credit: Getty More

DISGRACED footballer Dani Alves is hoping for a shocking football comeback after boasting about “surviving” his jail stint, it has been claimed.The former Barcelona star spent just four weeks of his sentence behind bars after a rape conviction – stumping up £850k to be released on bail.Dani Alves leaving jail in March after serving just four weeks of his sentenceAlves has to appear in court weekly as part of his bail conditions, pictured here last Friday with his lawyerAlves playing for Barcelona two years ago in SpainCredit: GettyDani Alves and his on-off wife Joana Sanz pictured in 2021Credit: GettyConvicted rapist Alves hopes to be acquitted and restore his public image, eventually making a shocking comeback to the sport, El Pais reports.Spanish journalist Jesus Garcia Bueno, who has covered the case extensively, claims that he doesn’t expect to return as a player on the field itself.He was freed from prison near Barcelona in March on bail after serving a few weeks of his four-and-a-half year sentence.Alves is reportedly spending most of his time hunkering down in his £4m Spanish home with estranged wife Joana Sanz.READ MORE ON ALVESBut the former footballer did recently visit a high-end Barcelona hotel, enjoying wagyu beef steak with a friend, El Periodico reports.The pair reportedly dined on a variety of expensive dishes from the steakhouse restaurant as Alves spoke to press about his parole terms.Alves told a reporter he has to “play a game” in court during weekly appearances while on bail.He said: “It’s what I have to do. Every Friday I go to court and that’s it. I don’t have much else to do either.Most read in Football”The game I have to play is in the courts.”The 40-year-old also boasted about his experience in prison, saying “Wherever I go I survive”.”I adapt to everything because for me it is not the place that makes the person, but the person that makes the place,” he went on.Struggling financially since losing his income and hefty sponsorship, the shamed footballer does not expect football clubs or companies to return even if he is acquitted, El Pais reports.It is not clear exactly in what role he plans to return to the world of professional football.The Brazilian had made several attempts before his conviction to get bail, but they were turned down in part because he was deemed a flight risk.Days of speculation preceded his release from jail over where the money was going to come from.Despite 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.Just hours after the disgraced star was released he hosted an all-night party at his £4.5m mansion in Esplugues de LLobregat – a 25-minute drive west of Barcelona.Days later, Spanish media reported that supermodel Sanz had already paid Alves a visit.Following reports that their marriage was over, Sanz shared a picture of the pair holding hands with matching tattoos to her Instagram last week.Alves, once a serial winner on the football pitch with 44 medals to his name, was arrested by Catalan police in January 2023 and spent over a year behind bars afterwards.He was this year convicted of raping a 23-year-old woman at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.The victim accused Alves of forcing her to have sex in a private bathroom of the club despite begging him to let her go.He has constantly denied the allegations and insisted the sexual encounter was consensual.The bail conditions set out by court say Alves must stay at least 1,000m away from the home of the victim or any other place she frequently goes.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is also banned from ever contacting her and must handover his Brazilian and Spanish passports.Dani Alves rape case: What 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.

The luxurious mansion in Esplugues where Alves is living with wife Joana SanzCredit: Instagram/danialvesAlves is keeping a low profile in his £4m Spanish boltholeCredit: InstagramJoanna Sanz shared this picture of her and estranged husband Dani Alves – with matching tattoos More

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