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      Manchester City executive who stole £100,000 from club to pay for gifts and her wedding only has to pay back £2,500

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      A FORMER Manchester City executive who stole more than £104,000 from the club to pay for her wedding only has to pay back £2,550.Fiona Barclay, 34, worked as a business development manager within the Premier League champions’ hospitality department, earning up to £30,000 a year.
      Football exec Fiona Barclay was jailed following a trial at Manchester crown courtCredit: MEN Media
      The mum-of-one was jailed in November last year for fraud after swindling huge sums from Manchester City to fund her big day and buy lavish gifts for her husband and family.
      Yet she has now been ordered to pay back just £2,500 at a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing.
      She was told the news when appearing via video-link from her native Falkirk in Scotland.
      The hearing began with Barclay being asked whether she was alone, before telling the judge she had her seven-week-old baby beside her.
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      Judge Timothy Smith ruled: “In light of everything uploaded, the benefit figure is £104,934.16, arising out of general criminal conduct. The available amount is £2,550.
      “This must be paid back by October 6.”
      When she was jailed, Manchester crown court heard how Barclay was first rumbled in March last year after accountants flagged a suspicious £25,000 refund.
      When questioned by bosses she claimed she’d transferred £15,000 of the sum into her own bank account “in error”.
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      But following an investigation, the club discovered Barclay had been stealing from them since June 2019 – more than £104,000 overall.
      She pleaded guilty to an offence of fraud by abuse of position and was sacked by the Etihad Stadium side in March 2021.
      Her barrister Patrick Buckley described Barclay as “utterly disgusted with herself”, adding: “There is nothing in terms of reason or logical reason why she did what she did.”
      She spent less than half of her 18-month sentence in prison, with the rest to be served on licence.
      The latest court hearing was told she had found a new job with a travel firm and informed them about her conviction, while also trying in vain to arrange with City for repayment of the money owed.
      When jailing her for 18 months, Manchester crown court recorder Ciaran Rankin had said: “This is a tragedy – you have thrown so much away because of your dishonesty and, I’m afraid, pure greed.”
      On the pitch, City won an historic treble this past season – claiming the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies.
      Mum-of-one Barclay was sentenced tp 18 months in prisonCredit: MEN Media
      Barclay was condemned by the trial judge for her ‘dishonesty’ and ‘pure greed’Credit: MEN Media More

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      Mason Greenwood’s career in tatters as he faces being used as pawn by Man Utd to land ‘£50m’ striker

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      MASON Greenwood’s career faces being left in tatters as he faces being used as a pawn by Manchester United to net a striker rumoured to be worth £50m.Greenwood, 21, has not played since January last year when he was arrested after allegations of physical and sexual abuse.
      Mason Greenwood, 21, has edged closer to a return to footballCredit: Getty
      Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund is said to be part of a loan deal for GreenwoodCredit: AFP
      It has now emerged that Serie A club Atalanta are interested in signing the forward on loan, according to the Manchester Evening News.
      Manchester United football director John Murtough has reportedly held talks with the Italian side as part of a deal to sign Rasmus Hojlund.
      The Danish striker scored nine goals in 32 games last season and is one of United’s targets this summer.
      The Red Devils believe they can net the 20-year-old for around £50 million, the Telegraph reported.
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      Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, but the CPS dropped its case in February.
      The £75,000-a-week star has been suspended on full pay ever since.
      United bosses will rule on his future this month.
      And boss Erik ten Hag is said to be willing to let the Bradford-born player back in the squad.
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      The club started their own investigation when claims against Greenwood came to light.
      Ten Hag will now decide what to do based on the findings and believes there is a place for the England international in the team, reports The Athletic.
      Negotiations over Greenwood’s review have taken longer than expected with some speculating he’ll be kicked to the curb, the outlet continued.
      However, it shows the club’s “thoroughness and seriousness” during their investigation.
      The Sun understands most of his team-mates at Old Trafford would welcome him back into the dressing room if the club agrees.
      Boss Erik ten Hag is said to be willing to let the Bradford-born player back in the squadCredit: Getty
      Greenwood has not played since January last yearCredit: AFP
      However, it could trigger a wave of controversy after United’s women players called for Greenwood to go earlier this year.
      A source claimed Greenwood and his teammates made it clear to United owners Glazer – who will be making the final call – that they need to “sack him or back him”.
      The source said: “Mason was delighted to hear that the manager and most of his team-mates would welcome him back.
      “He firmly believes he is an innocent man and is very frustrated he’s not been able to play.
      “He understands that the club have had to carry out an investigation, but he feels like his career is slipping by.
      “He and his team have made clear to United that they now want to know what is happening.
      “They have basically said, ‘sack him or back him’.
      “If they want to reintegrate him, then do so. If they want to sell him, then tell him.
      “And if they want to loan him out, then tell them so his team can find the best club for him.”
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      The Sun revealed that his former boss Jose Mourinho has telephoned Greenwood to sound him out about a loan move to Roma.
      Greenwood is set to become a dad later this month, with his partner enjoying a baby shower with pals this weekend.
      Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviourCredit: AFP More

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      Bristol Rovers star Jevani Brown spat at and slapped woman outside nightclub after she tried to stop row with bouncer

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      A FOOTBALLER spat at and slapped a woman outside a nightclub after she tried to stop a drunken row with a bouncer.Bristol Rovers striker Jevani Brown left Cara Hutchings with bruises on both sides of her face in the attack.
      Jevani Brown slapped a woman outside a clubCredit: BPM
      The footballer, who was playing for Exeter City at the time, also left another woman terrified he would assault her.
      Brown, 28, has now been fined £5,000 after he admitted assault and criminal behaviour at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.
      He was also ordered to pay £350 compensation to both victims and £2,135 in costs and victim surcharge fees.
      The court heard Brown got into an argument with Ms Hutchings and Sophie Davey outside the Vaults nightclub in Exeter in February.
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      The footballer, who did not know either women, had got into a row with a bouncer before turning on Ms Hutchings as she stepped in.
      Brown then spat at the woman, causing her to pull his dreadlocks, before he slapped her twice in the face.
      Ms Davey had rushed over to help her pal when Brown took a step towards her and told her not to get involved.
      She then called police in tears to report the attack and the star was detained.
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      Torell Hector, defending, read a letter from Brown saying he was “truly sorry” and that alcohol had been a huge factor in his life.
      He also confirmed he is receiving support from the PFA’s Sporting Chance clinic.
      The letter added: “If I had not been under the influence of alcohol the outcome would have been different and I have taken steps since to address my behaviour.”
      Brown began his career at MK Dons before joining Peterborough United.
      He also had stints at Cambridge United and Colchester United before he was signed by Exeter in 2021.
      England-born Brown, who represents Jamaica at an international level, was Exeter City’s top scorer this season with 14 goals and nine assists.
      Brown was playing for Exeter at the timeCredit: Rex More

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      Ex-porn star & WAG Mia Etcheverria busted ‘smuggling 14lbs of cocaine on flight to Spain’ as she faces 18 years in jail

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      A FORMER porn star is among five arrested after being suspected of “smuggling 14lbs of cocaine on a flight to Spain” and now faces 18 years in jail.Mia Etcheverria, two other women, and two men were seized at Carrasco International Airport, Uruguay, as they attempted to board a flight to Madrid.
      Mia Etcheverria was one of five arrested after being caught ‘smuggling cocaine’ on a flight to SpainCredit: Newsflash
      Six slabs – 14lbs – of coke was seized from the suitcaseCredit: Newsflash
      Mia is an ex of footballer Richard Morales, who played for Osasuna and Malaga during his senior club careerCredit: Facebook
      The five were stopped by the Uruguayan cops during a routine check on one of the men, aged 29, on June 24.
      Officers found that his two suitcases had hidden compartments containing six slabs of a white, powdery substance with a total weight of 14lbs.
      The police then pulled aside the rest of his group – three women, aged 26, 27, and 36, and a 35-year-old man.
      One of the women has been identified as former porn actress and model Mia Etcheverria, 27, who was once in a relationship with retired footballer Richard Morales.
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      Morales, 48, made 27 appearances for Uruguay between 2001 and 2005 and played for Osasuna and Malaga during his senior club career.
      The five suspects have been hit with charges related to “attempted drug exportation”.
      Four, including Mia, are currently in custody as the police search for a sixth person in relation to the case.
      Mia’s lawyer, Pablo Casas, is claiming that his client “was unaware of the contents of the suitcases”.
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      He told local media: “The conclusions that she collaborated, that she was aware of the contents, and that she simply passed those suitcases are incorrect.”
      Mia – real name Camila Navarro – from Las Piedras, was one of the main stars on Uruguayan adult channel Divas TV.
      She has two daughters with Morales, who, following her arrest, has said he will pay her legal fees.
      He said in a statement: “Nowadays, more than ever, my only priority is my daughters and their well-being, and I will protect them from any media exposure related to this issue.”
      The Ministry of the Interior of Uruguay said in a statement: “In the morning hours of Saturday, 24th June, personnel from the Carrasco International Airport Delegation, belonging to the General Directorate for the Repression of Illicit Drug Trafficking (DGRTID), were conducting checks in the check-in area of a flight bound for Madrid when they detected a passenger with a possible risk profile.
      “After verifying his itinerary, a routine inspection of his luggage was requested, which the passenger authorised. He was escorted to the inspection room while the three women travelling with him remained in the check-in area”.
      They revealed that the passenger was identified as a 29-year-old Uruguayan citizen whose luggage contained the six slabs of cocaine.
      “Furthermore, two vehicles used for the transportation of all these individuals were identified, and £770 and four mobile phones were seized from them”.
      The individual who officials believed was the organiser of the illegal activity was identified and an arrest warrant was requested.
      “The Justice system initiated a formal investigation regarding the passenger who had the slabs in his suitcase “for his alleged involvement in an offence stipulated in Article 31 of Decree Law 14, 294, in the form of attempted drug exportation”, the statement read.
      Two of the women and the second man identified at the airport were charged “for their alleged involvement in an offence stipulated in Article 31 of Decree Law 14, 294, in the form of attempted drug exportation as co-perpetrators”.
      And the third woman was reportedly charged “for her alleged involvement in an offence stipulated in Article 31 of Decree Law 14,294, in the form of attempted drug exportation as an accomplice”.
      Read More On The Sun
      For the first four individuals, pretrial detention was ordered, while the last woman was placed under total house arrest with an electronic monitoring device, all for a period of 90 days.
      The investigation is ongoing.
      Under Uruguay laws, Mia could now face up to 18 years in prisonCredit: Newsflash
      Mia, 27, is also a former porn star and modelCredit: Newsflash More

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      Ryan Giggs faces further hearing ahead of re-trial this month for ‘attacking ex-girlfriend Kate Greville’

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      RYAN Giggs is facing a further hearing ahead of his re-trial this month for allegedly attacking his ex-girlfriend.The ex-Man Utd star, 49, is accused of assaulting PR exec Kate Greville and controlling or coercive behaviour over a three-year period.
      Ryan Giggs, pictured at a previous court hearing, is due to go on trial this monthCredit: MEN Media
      He is also charged with attacking her sister Emma Greville on November 1, 2020.
      Jurors failed to reach a verdict following a three-week trial last August with a re-trial scheduled to begin on July 31.
      A pre-trial review was held today at Manchester Crown Court.
      Giggs was not present at the hearing, which dealt with matters that cannot be reported.
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      A further hearing is set to take place at the same court on July 18.
      Giggs stepped down as manager of the Wales international team in July last year.
      The ex-footballer, who won 64 caps for his country, had been on leave from his post since November 2020.
      Giggs had a glittering playing career with Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
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      He is also a co-owner of League Two side Salford City.
      Giggs denies the charges.
      He is accused of attacking Kate Greville
      the ex-Man Utd star denies the charges against himCredit: Alamy More

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      EFL chairman Andy Pilley jailed for 13 years after massive multi-million scam

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      A DISGRACED football club owner has been jailed for 13 years over a huge energy contract scam worth £15million.Andy Pilley targeted small businesses by tricking them into signing long-term energy contracts.
      Andy Pilley has been jailed for 13 yearsCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      The 52-year-old, who owns English League One side Fleetwood Town, has now been jailed for 13 years.
      Pilley was of two counts of running a business with the intention of defrauding creditors alongside his sister Michelle Davidson, 49, and two others.
      He was also found guilty of one count of false representation and one count of being concerned with the retention of criminal property.
      The mis-selling included false or misleading statements about the length and price of the contract as well as competitor rates.
      Pilly and his associates used a “web” of interconnected companies to dupe small businesses across the UK between 2014 and 2016.
      They targeted charities, including guest houses and children’s charities, and companies that provided support to disabled people.
      By 2019, the annual turnover at both companies was £100million.
      Prosecutors said the scam is estimated to have reached an eye-watering £15million.
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      Michael Bichard, chairman of National Trading Standards, said: “Small business owners were deliberately deceived and locked in to contracts that were long-term and expensive, leaving many businesses struggling to pay the bills and sadly driving some business owners into making the difficult decision to cease trading.
      “This is not a victimless crime – small business owners have lost vast sums of money to this fraud and many businesses have gone under.”
      Pilley was charged with the allegations in September 2021 following a five-year investigation into BES Utilities, which has been Fleetwood Town’s main sponsor for 18 years.
      The club said today: “Fleetwood Town Football Club acknowledges the sentencing in the court case involving former club chairman, Andy Pilley.
      The club would like to reiterate convictions are against individuals and not Fleetwood Town FC, or any of the businesses associated with them, and will continue to operate as normal.
      Fleetwood Town remain in communication with the EFL in relation to the implications of the convictions and will now be making an application to the League in relation to a change of control the club will make no further comment at this time.
      The Fleetwood owner targeted small businessesCredit: PA More

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      Mendy ‘rape victim’ told pal that he ‘probably thought he could get away with it’ because he played for Man City

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      A WOMAN allegedly raped by Benjamin Mendy told a pal he “thought he can get away with it” because he played for Man City, a court heard.The left-back, who has been released from the Premier League club, is accused of raping the woman during a party at his mansion.
      Benjamin Mendy is accused of raping the woman at a partyCredit: Getty
      Chester Crown Court heard how she text a friend after the alleged attack, saying: “I can’t stop crying.
      “It was a City player bro. Premier League footballer. That’s why he probably thinks he can get away with it.”
      The alleged victim, named as Woman Two, also told the friend she “kept saying no”, it was said.
      She said how there had been a “bit of a situation” as she asked the pal to call her and explained she had ended up at Mendy’s for an “after party thing”.
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      The woman claimed the footballer “was a bit forcey”, adding: “I kept saying no, I don’t want to.”
      Mendy is accused of one count of rape and one count of attempted rape against two women.
      Jurors have been told the French international was previously found not guilty on other charges following a trial.
      The retrial heard how Woman Two was “forcefully” raped by Mendy in October 2022 after they met at a bar.
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      She had been invited back to his home along with her friends, where they were later asked to hand over their mobiles, it was said.
      Woman Two later followed the star into a bedroom where the doors were locked behind her with an internal locking system, it is alleged.
      Jurors heard Mendy told her he would hand her phone back if he could see her naked, causing the complainant to tell him: “I do not want to have sex with you”.
      He allegedly added: “If you just take off your clothes. I just wanna have a look at you. I promise you I won’t touch you.
      “I just wanna see what you look like. I wanna see your body. I wanna see your t***. Your t*** are so big.”
      She then claims he raped her as she struggled against him and told him no.
      Mendy is accused of calling the woman “too shy” as he claimed: “I’ve had sex with 10,000 women”.
      Jurors heard last week how Woman One was allegedly targeted by the Man City star at a gathering in his mansion.
      She claimed he attempted to rape her after he followed her into the bathroom.
      The court was told she repeatedly asked Mendy to “stop” in French as he held her down.
      He then told her: “Don’t worry. Are you scared?”
      The woman later messaged a pal, saying: “I just got sexually abused, if that’s the right word, by Mendy.”
      She also claimed the footballer “wouldn’t let me go” in the text in October 2018.
      City spent a reported £49.2million signing Mendy from French side Monaco in 2017.
      He last played for the club on August 15, 2021, during their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham at the start of last season.
      In September 2020, City boss Pep Guardiola revealed Mendy would be out of the game for at least a month due to an injury.
      He was later suspended pending an investigation after being charged.
      Mendy denies one count of rape and one of attempted rape.
      The trial continues.
      Read More On The Sun
      The footballer denies rape and attempted rapeCredit: Getty
      Mendy has since been released by City More

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      Benjamin Mendy told woman ‘don’t worry, are you scared?’ before ‘trying to rape her when she came out of the shower’

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      BENJAMIN Mendy asked one of his alleged victims “are you scared?” before he tried to rape her when she got out of the shower, a court heard.The woman, referred to in court as Woman One, was allegedly targeted by the Man City star at a gathering in his mansion.
      Benjamin Mendy is facing a retrial for rape and attempted rapeCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      She claims Mendy, 28, attempted to rape her after he followed her into the bathroom, jurors heard.
      The court was told she repeatedly told the France international to “stop” in French as he held her down.
      He then told her: “Don’t worry. Are you scared?”
      The woman later messaged a pal, saying: “I just got sexually abused, if that’s the right word, by Mendy.”
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      She also claimed the footballer “wouldn’t let me go” in the text in October 2018.
      Mendy is accused of one count of rape and one count of attempted rape against two women.
      Chester Crown Court heard yesterday how the French international was previously found not guilty on other charges following a trial.
      The retrial was told how Mendy attempted to rape Woman One after he followed her into the bathroom at his home while she showered.
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      She claimed she was “left in shock” as she saw a “figure at the door” and realised the footballer was stood “aroused” in his boxers.
      The woman said she put a towel around herself and was attempting to put on her underwear when Mendy told her: “You don’t have to be scared”.
      Jurors heard he tried to rape her as she repeatedly asked him to stop before leaving the room.
      The woman later said: “I was confused. Like, do people in his house know what’s happening? Would it make any difference if I’d said anything?
      “I mean, they’re his friends, it’s his territory, I didn’t scream, because I didn’t understand what was going on. I’m not really a screamer anyway, so I just tried to struggle my way out of it.”
      The court was told she had met Mendy and a pal, who she had consensual sex with, in Europe at a nightclub.
      They later arranged to meet up in Manchester in October 2018 where she went to a restaurant and bar with Mendy and the friend.
      While at the second venue, the footballer allegedly came up behind the woman and told her: “When he’s not looking, I’m gonna kidnap you.”
      Jurors also heard how Woman Two was “forcefully” raped by Mendy in October 2022 after they met at a bar.
      She had been invited back to his home along with her friends, where they were later asked to hand over their mobiles, it was said.
      Woman Two later followed the star into a bedroom where the doors were locked behind her with an internal locking system, it is alleged.
      Jurors heard Mendy told her he would hand her phone back if he could see her naked, causing the complainant to tell him: “I do not want to have sex with you”.
      He allegedly added: “If you just take off your clothes. I just wanna have a look at you. I promise you I won’t touch you.
      “I just wanna see what you look like. I wanna see your body. I wanna see your t***. Your t*** are so big.”
      She then claims he raped her as she struggled against him and told him no.
      Mendy is accused of calling the woman “too shy” as he claimed: “I’ve had sex with 10,000 women”.
      The retrial comes after Mendy was listed as being released by City on the Premier League website.
      The Premier League champions haven’t published their own list yet but the left-back’s contract expires at the end of this month.
      City spent a reported £49.2million signing Mendy from French side Monaco in 2017.
      He last played for the club on August 15, 2021, during their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham at the start of last season.
      In September 2020, City boss Pep Guardiola revealed Mendy would be out of the game for at least a month due to an injury.
      He was later suspended pending an investigation after being charged.
      Mendy denies one count of rape and one of attempted rape.
      Read More On The Sun
      The trial continues.
      Mendy denies rape and attempted rapeCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      He was suspended by City following the chargeCredit: PA More