Crime

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League international arrested on suspicion of raping two women has bail extended

      by

      A PREMIER League footballer under investigation for two alleged rapes has had his bail extended by the Met Police.The player is accused of raping two women in separate attacks, one in June this year and one in April 2021.
      The star was arrested on suspicion of rape in JulyCredit: Getty
      The international star, 29, was arrested at his North London home on suspicion of rape in July after an alleged victim came forward.
      She claimed she was raped during a sunshine break in the Mediterranean in June.
      The alleged victim fled her five-star resort and flew home to her friends and family.
      She spoke to police on her return to the UK and attended a police station to make a full statement.
      She showed detectives photos that she claimed highlighted bruising on her body after the alleged attack.
      After his initial arrest he was later re-arrested on suspicion of two more counts from April and June 2021.
      Most read in Football
      Cops later decided not to pursue the latter of those two accusations.
      He was bailed to August, which was then extended to this month and has now been extended again.
      A magistrates court is likely to approve the extension and confirm the bail conditions next week.
      It was previously reported that his club knew of the accusations last autumn, but that the player continued to play last season and has been a regular in 2022-23.
      He was also reportedly due to play in the World Cup in Qatar next month.
      The club confirmed in July that it would select him until further notice and that he would not be suspended.
      Neither the club nor the player are being named for legal reasons.
      A statement from The Met said: “On 4 July, a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and taken into custody.
      Most read in The Sun
      “While in custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of two incidents of rape that were alleged to have been committed in April and June of 2021 against a different woman in her 20s.
      “The man was bailed until a date in early October but his bail has since been extended further – an exact date has yet to be confirmed.” More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Steven Gerrard’s daughter Lilly, 18, finds love with son of villain linked to crime cartel

      by

      STEVEN Gerrard’s daughter Lilly has found love with the son of a villain linked to a notorious crime cartel.Influencer Lilly, 18, has been seeing Lee Byrne, 23, since around April.
      Lilly Gerrard has recently returned from a holiday to Ibiza with her boyfriend
      Influencer Lilly Gerrard has been seeing Lee Byrne for the last few monthsCredit:
      Lilly is said to be a frequent visitor to Lee’s apartment in Formby
      The pair enjoyed a sun-soaked holiday in Ibiza this summer, said to be there at the same time with friends, and have shared photos online including one of Lee kissing her on the head.
      Another snap shows Lee relaxing on a private jet as he and Lilly — who has nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram — returned home to the UK in style last week from a trip.
      There is no suggestion either are involved with the gang or any criminality.
      Lilly’s former England and Liverpool star dad Steven, 42, was last week pictured alongside Lee’s dad Liam, 41, on a video call.
      READ MORE ON STEVEN GERRARD
      Byrne Snr is a close associate of Irish businessman Daniel Kinahan, who has been linked to killings in the UK, money laundering and a multi-million pound drug smuggling racket.
      Byrne Snr’s links to the Kinahan cartel emerged in Ireland’s High Court in 2018 when it was claimed that he was at “the very top tier” of organised crime.
      Lawyers told the court Byrne was a “close and trusted associate and lieutenant” of Kinahan.
      Lee had his own brush with the law in January when he was given a warning by Merseyside Police for crashing his £80,000 BMW M3 on the M62.
      Most read in The Sun
      Friends say he and Lilly enjoy going on dates and she has been a frequent visitor to his apartment in Formby.
      The pair have also been spotted at a coffee bar.
      In one image she shared online, Lilly showed off Lee’s initials on one of her fingernails, while in snaps of them together she has covered his face with a love heart emoji.
      The pair were also spotted taking the Gerrard family’s two dogs Barney and Blondie for a walk in Formby.
      Last week, a video emerged of Aston Villa manager Gerrard with Byrne Snr sat together in a bar in Ibiza.
      It is not known how the pair met but during the video call, Gerrard offered to take a Liverpool fan to “see the Reds” as Byrne sits next to him and smiles.
      Read More on The Sun
      Byrne then offered to arrange a dinner with Gerrard and the fan at Byrne’s home in the UK.
      Gerrard’s reps were contacted for comment.
      Lilly celebrated as dad Steven led Rangers to win the Scottish Premiership title in 2021Credit: INSTAGRAM/ LILLY.GERRARDD
      Lilly Gerrard has more than 200,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Lilly’s dad Steven played football for Liverpool and EnglandCredit: instagram
      Lilly and Lee enjoyed a sun-soaked holiday in Ibiza this summerCredit: Instagram
      Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has recently had contact with Byrne SrCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      AFC Fylde manager James Rowe RESIGNS from National League club after being charged with sexual assault

      by

      AFC Fylde manager James Rowe has resigned from the non-league club.The ex-Chesterfield boss was this week charged with sexual assault.
      Rowe while in charge of Chesterfield, a club he left by mutual consentCredit: Alamy
      A Fylde club statement said: “Following a meeting this afternoon, the board have accepted James Rowe’s resignation as manager of the club.
      “Andy Taylor will take temporary charge until a new manager is appointed.
      “There will be no further comment from anyone at this time.”
      Rowe, 39, is alleged to have sexually assaulted a woman in Chesterfield in November last year.
      Read more in football
      The former West Ham academy coach was in charge of Chesterfield at the time and left the club in February by “mutual consent” following a suspension.
      Rowe is due to appear in court next month.
      In a statement Derbyshire Constabulary: “A man has been charged with sexual assault.
      Most read in Football
      “In January this year, officers received a report of a man having sexually assaulted a woman in Chesterfield, with the offence alleged to have taken place in November 2021.
      “James Rowe, 39, of Breaston, in Derby, has now been charged and is due to appear before magistrates at Chesterfield Justice Centre on Monday 7 November.” More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Boxing

      Boxing champion Jai Opetia ‘told police officers to “f*** off” and urinated in cell’ after nightclub arrest

      by

      AUSTRALIAN boxing world champion Jai Opetaia was slammed by a magistrate for aggressive behaviour towards police and urinating in his cell after an arrest.Opetaia was charged with remaining in the vicinity of a licensed premises after being excluded, behaving in an offensive manner in a public place and using offensive language in a public place.
      Jai Opetaia was slammed by a magistrate for aggressive behaviour towards policeCredit: @jaiopetaia_
      The IBF champion became aggressive and refused to answer police questions.
      And court documents reveal he began banging on his cell door, urinated in his prison and verbally abused officers following his recent arrest.
      Charges relate to an August 14 night out in Sydney where the unbeaten boxer and a friend attempted to enter Home Nightclub on Cockle Bay Wharf.
      The pair walked towards the exit to the premises, where the security guard denied them entry – telling them to use the correct entrance.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      They then moved towards the security guard, prompting five men to grab Opetaia and move him away.
      The cruiserweight star was asked to leave after getting into an argument with security – but he remained in the area.
      He was restrained until police arrived and put him in handcuffs.
      According to court documents, Opetaia became aggressive with police and loudly said ‘f**k you’ to the officers who gave him a final warning and told him he was being recorded.
      Most read in Boxing
      He said: “You f***ing idiots, I’ve sat here arrested… for nothing.”
      He also shouted at one officer: “You are a dumb four-eyed piece of s***.”
      Opetaia faced court for the first time on Wednesday where defence lawyer Jason Murakami entered a plea of guilty on his behalf.
      Mr Murakami asked magistrate Daniel Covington to consider “exercising discretion” given that Opetaia entered a guilty plea, had no criminal history and the objective seriousness was low.
      The lawyer said his client was very remorseful and worried about his poor behaviour more than his sporting career being affected.
      Opetaia shot to fame in July when he defeated Latvian Mairis Briedis, 37, to win his title belt.
      He has also represented Australia at the 2012 Olympics at the age of just 16 and then the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
      Jai Opetaia beat Mairis Briedis for the IBF cruiserweight titleCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Footie fan who threw flare at ref becomes FIRST woman in Britain to be banned from ALL MATCHES

      by

      A FOOTBALL fan who threw a flare at a referee has become the first woman in Britain to be banned from all matches.CCTV footage showed Abbie-Leigh Reay, 23, dancing in celebration when the missile landed near ref Lee Swabey and the opposition goalie.
      Abbie-Leigh Reay has become the first woman in Britain to be banned from all soccer grounds
      Police stopped the Tranmere fan as she left her team’s 4-0 League Two defeat to Forest Green Rovers in January.
      Despite her arrest, Reay posted winking pictures of her at the match with her girlfriend, along with a laughing emoji and the caption: “Before it all went downhill.”
      One of her comments read: “Just hope I don’t get banned.”
      Aldi worker Reay, of Bebington, Wirral, got a three-year ban after she was convicted of throwing a missile on to a football playing area.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES
      Sefton JPs fined her £250 with £654 costs.
      Sentencing, District Judge Paul Healey, said: “You throw the flare on to the pitch which puts people there at risk.
      “No one is struck but there is a risk and as a result of your actions, police and stewards had to intervene.
      “There was a large crowd which put them in a difficult situation.
      Most read in The Sun
      “They have to take action.
      “There is a risk of it escalating further.”
      Read More on The Sun More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester City hooligan fined for throwing flare onto pitch which landed close to goalie Ederson

      by

      A MANCHESTER City hooligan has been fined for throwing a flare onto the pitch during the Champions League semi-final – which landed close to goalie Ederson.Bradley Holden, 24, celebrated when his team went 2-0 up against Real Madrid at the Etihad.
      Bradley Holden has been fined for throwing a flare onto the pitch at the EtihadCredit: STEVE ALLEN
      The flare landed close to goalkeepr EdersonCredit: Getty
      He was caught on CCTV later removing his top in a bid to avoid detection but was arrested at the game.
      Holden, a season ticket holder, tried to claim that he threw the flare in “panic” because he was so concerned about a fellow fan having an asthma attack.
      Miss Emily Potter, prosecuting at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, said his actions had shown “disregard” for the safety of his fellow supporters and the police sought to impose a football banning order against him.
      Holden told the court that he hadn’t lit the flare and only became aware of it after another fan pointed at it on the floor.
      Read More on Man City
      He said: “I looked down and heard an elderly male say, ‘What the…I’ve got asthma.”
      “I had a blind panic and wanted to get it away as quickly as possible.”
      He said that he had a friend who’d died from an asthma attack six years ago and he was also aware of the dangers from discussions with his primary school teacher partner
      CCTV footage revealed the flare landed near City goalie Ederson.
      Most read in Football
      Holden, who pleaded guilty to charges of throwing a missile onto a football pitch and possession of a flare at an earlier hearing, also denied trying to disguise his identity by removing his top.
      Mark Kelllett, defending, said Holden was a man of good character who had never been involved in any other incidents at football matches, and a football banning order was unnecessary.
      Read More on The Sun
      District judge Joanne Hirst agreed and said she had “taken into account the unusual circumstances” and believed Holden had shown an “instinctive reaction” on seeing the lit flare and it was clear he hadn’t brought it into the stadium.
      She handed Holden, of Hyde, Gtr Manchester, a £500 fine and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £50 surcharge. More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Burton Albion star William Kokolo denies three charges of rape as he’s banned from leaving UK

      by

      A LEAGUE One footballer denied three charges of rape today before he was banned from leaving the UK.Burton Albion star William Kokolo appeared at Birmingham Crown Court today charged with the offences which were allegedly committed against one woman on the same day.
      Burton Albion football William Kokolo has denied three charges of rapeCredit: SWNS
      Kokolo was released on conditional bail and ordered to hand over his passportCredit: Getty
      He appeared at Birmingham Crown Court todayCredit: PA
      Kokolo, 22, allegedly assaulted the woman in the Birmingham area on February 13 this year.
      The judge denied the Burton Albion defender’s application to be allowed to travel to Paris in November for his sister’s wedding and ordered Kokolo to surrender his passport.
      French-born Kokolo, who wore a navy suit, white shirt and black tie, was granted conditional bail.
      A preliminary trial date has been set for June next year with his next court appearance scheduled for March.
      Read more in UK news
      During the 19-minute hearing, the footballer only spoke when asked to confirm his name and pleas.
      Judge Paul Farrer KC said: “Williams Kokolo would you stand up please.
      “I have fixed your trial for the 5th of June next year, although enquiries will be made behind the scenes to find if it will be possible to take place some earlier time.
      “You will be back before the court on the 3rd March next year.
      Most read in Football
      “You’ve been on bail and I enlarge your bail on the following terms.
      “You must not leave the United Kingdom and your passport must be surrendered and you must not apply for travel documents.
      “If you move permanent address you must inform your solicitors.
      “If you breach any of those conditions you will be arrested.”
      Kokolo joined Burton Albion at the start of this year.
      A club statement said: “Burton Albion is fully aware of the charges that have been made against one of our players and the club has spoken to the player and his legal representatives.
      “As this is an ongoing legal process, the club is unable to make any further comment until legal proceedings are concluded.” More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Benjamin Mendy rape ‘victim’ says she DIDN’T have sex with Jack Grealish after claims from another woman

      by

      A woman who claims she was raped by Benjamin Mendy has said she did not have sex with his team-mate Jack Grealish after another woman claims she did.Grealish, 27, was among partygoers at Mendy’s mansion in Cheshire last year when the 17-year-old complainant says she was attacked by Mendy, 28, and co-accused Louis Saha Matturie, 41.
      Last week it was claimed a woman who was allegedly raped by Matturie also had sex with Jack Grealish on the same night
      Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy denies multiple sex offences against a string of young womenCredit: PA
      Mendy’s co-accused, Louis Saha Matturie arrives at Chester Crown CourtCredit: PA
      Mendy and Matturie are on trial at Chester Crown Court where they deny multiple sex offences against a string of young women.
      Last week the court heard the 17-year-old said to police that a 23-year-old woman, who also alleges Matturie raped her, told her on the night she had sex with Grealish.
      On Monday, in further police interviews she said Matturie also mentioned to her the woman had “been together” with the former Aston Villa winger.
      Three or four of Grealish’ friends from Birmingham came to the party after she earlier arrived in a taxi which followed a Range Rover in which Grealish was a passenger, she said.
      The complainant said his friends were “quite pleasant” and “quite normal”, and there was “nothing suggestive or weird” in their conversations.
      Most read in Football
      Grealish went on to compliment her “beautiful eyes” as she entered the swimming pool at the mansion and he walked out.
      She said she replied: “Thank you.”
      Later she saw Grealish “fast asleep” in the house.
      She told detectives: “I remember him being quite drunk.”
      The woman said she had not previously met Grealish and only “knew of him just off the TV”.
      She said the footballer and his friends did not do anything that made her feel uncomfortable.
      She confirmed to police that she did not have any sexual contact with Grealish.
      The detective asked: “Have you since that night told anybody if you had any physical contact with him?”
      “No,” she replied.
      The court heard that days before the woman was invited by Saha to watch a Manchester City match from a private box.
      At the time she said she thought Saha was Mendy’s personal assistant or “some kind of entourage, a bodyguard”.
      In a text exchange with a friend, Mendy was referred to as “the worst player on the team…guy goes out too much.
      “He made us lose against Tottenham.”
      Prosecutors claim Mendy is a “predator” who “turned the pursuit of women for sex into a game”.
      Matturie, his friend and “fixer”, allegedly had the job of finding young women for sex.
      Mendy denies seven counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault against six young women.
      Matturie, of Eccles, Salford, denies six counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault relating to seven young women.
      Read More on The Sun
      Both men say, if any sex did take place with women or girls, it was consensual.
      The trial was adjourned until Tuesday morning. More