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      Joey Barton denies ‘comparing Eni Aluko to Fred & Rose West in string of vile posts targeting female pundit’

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      JOEY Barton today denied targeting female pundit Eni Aluko in a string of vile posts.The former footballer is accused of comparing the ex-England star and fellow commentator Lucy Ward to Fred and Rose West.Joey Barton appeared at court todayHe is accused of directing a barrage of abuse at Eni AlukoCredit: GettyBarton, 41, appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court today charged with malicious communications between January 3 and 8.He spoke to confirm his identity and deny the charge during the brief hearing.Barton was bailed on the condition he does not make any mention of Eni Aluko on any social media.He will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on August 27.Read more newsThe ex-Bristol manager previously slammed the charge on X, saying: “I’m up next month for ‘malicious communications’ charge at Warrington Mag for Eni Aluko tweets.”Crazy times we’re living in. Haven’t the Police got enough on their hands?”British system is becoming a Banana Republic. Lawfare used against its own citizens for having a dissenting voice.”Barton landed himself in hot water after launching into vile attacks against a string of female pundits in December.Most read in FootballThis included Eni and Lucy, who at the time were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Barton allegedly claimed Eni “can’t even kick a ball properly”, before adding: “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low. “Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”Laura Woods branded a ‘queen’ as Eni Aluko spots what ITV presenter did five minutes before going live at Euros The former Man City star then accused Eni of being in the “Joseph Stalin category” for “murdering hundreds of thousands of fans’ ears”, it is said.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.She added: “It’s really important to say that online abuse has a direct impact on your safety and how you feel and how safe you feel in real life. I’ve felt under threat this week. I’ve felt like something is going to happen to me.”And I don’t say that for anyone to feel sorry for me – I say that for people to understand the reality and the impact that hate speech has, the impact that racism has, the impact that sexism has, the impact that misogyny has on all of us females in the game, in sports broadcasting.“That’s the real impact – and it’s not an isolated incident, this is now showing up as a culture in the game, from certain fan bases and certain people. “They’re creating a culture where people don’t want to go to work, people don’t want to leave their house, people feel under threat. Obviously there’s a big impact on mental health as well.”Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton also allegedly targeted Lucy WardCredit: GettyHe was bailed to next appear in court on August 27 More

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      I came close to being victim of deadly knife crime – that’s why I’m spending £1m to stop it, Tyson Fury’s promoter says

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      TYSON Fury’s promoter Frank Warren says violent crime on UK streets could have changed his life – so he’s spending £1million to stop it.Frank’s Queensberry outfit is donating the huge sum to BoxWise, a charity which gets youngsters in the ring to keep them out of trouble.Frank Warren at the Islington Boxing Club this weekCredit: BoxWiseFrank with his star boxer Tyson FuryCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe donation will let the charity double the number of places on its ten-week programme from 1,500 to 3,000.Legendary promoter Frank announced the donation at the Islington Boxing Club – a stone’s throw from the street where he grew up.In an exclusive chat at the boxing club, Frank told The Sun: “I remember growing up here on the streets of north London.”It was really tough and life could have easily been different for me.Read More Sport”The background that I have, that a lot of these kids have, you get a lot of peer pressure to be the tough guy.”You want to do this, you want to be that. That’s what you have to take away – that’s not what it’s about.”I’ll tell you what it is about boxing. When I was a kid in Islington there were no golf clubs, no tennis clubs.”All kids from working-class backgrounds could do was go and play football or box. Those were really the two sports.Most read in Boxing”They weren’t expensive sports to play – football on the grass or on the street, boxing you’d go down to the local gym. It was easy to do.”It’s not about being tough, it’s about respect. It’s not respecting someone if on the street they’re a tough guy.”It’s about respecting each other. That’s what boxing does. We’ll have a fight this weekend. “After that fight those guys will have knocked seven bells out of each other.”But they’ll have their arms around each other – that’s respect. That’s come about from working in the gym.”The son of a bookie, Frank grew up in Islington and started out as an unlicensed fixer promoting his second cousin Lenny McLean.Since then, he has managed or promoted the likes of Prince Naseem, Frank Bruno, Tyson Fury, Chris Eubank, Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton.He said: “Professional boxers are very important as role models. Kids look up to them and aspire to have their success. “The thing is with boxers, most of them are approachable.”Unfortunately in this day and age, you have to go through God knows how many people to speak with footballers.”When I was a kid, you’d stand outside the Arsenal and get autographs. They don’t do that any more.”But boxers are quite approachable. They come from the local area so they know people and people can see them and buy into them.”WARREN P’sQueensberry is donating £1million to BoxWise to boost its efforts to combat gang and knife crime in some of Britain’s poorest areas.The charity puts disadvantaged youngsters through a 10-week boxing programme at gyms up and down the country.Queensberry’s donation will let BoxWise double the spaces on the programme to 3,000.Frank will also join the charity’s new development board as its chairman.He said: “We have terrible knife crime and other problems due to the lack of respect that people have towards each other.”We’re obviously in the boxing business and BoxWise do a lot of brilliant things for the community and for boxing.”These kids been excluded or have been referred by the police or their teachers. If they weren’t here, they’d be out on the streets.”They’ve brought them through a programme that has changed their lifestyles, how they behave and the way they interact.”The way they interact with people, the way they work as a team, the attitude they have to their bodies with obesity and keeping fit. “Working together from different ethnic backgrounds. All these things – they’re all massive big pluses. It’s all tick, tick, tick.”Why would anybody not want to get involved? We’re blessed and privileged at Queensberry to be able to do this.”The thing is with boxers, most of them are approachableFrank WarrenFrank added: “The fact we’re launching it in Islington where I come from adds a bit of spice to it.”But this is being rolled out all over the country. BoxWise can now double the spaces they have for kids in the future.”People are giving their time up to do this. The adults, the coaches, it’s amazing what they do. “The boxing clubs are part of the community, and they deserve the support of the community.”If you want to talk about crime and doing things, start at the bottom. “What BoxWise does is just a revelation – for these kids it’s a revelation.”We’ll double the spaces to 3,000. We’ll make it happen, it’s a fact of life. “And then we want to get it from 3,000 to 30,000. Seriously, that’s what it’s about. “All over Britain. Kids should have opportunities – if you want better citizens, then raise them as better citizens.”Frank joked that if any of the youngsters at the Islington Boxing Club fancy their chances as a pro, they now know where to come.But he said: “The boxer of the future could be over there right now, and God bless them if they are. “But it’s not for me about being a boxer, it’s about the training. It’s about learning about your body.”Obesity is a big problem in this country – they’ll be learning about nutrition. The whole programme is great.”LET ME BE FRANKBoxWise’s Rick Ogden said Frank’s donation will make a “huge difference” to thousands of young people.Rick told The Sun: “It’s amazing. We’ve actually secured £3million in funding “Queensberry has pledged £1million, and its donation has been matched.”With this additional funding, we’re going to be able to double that straight away to more than 3,000 young people.”It’s not just about the money, it’s about the influence that Queensberry bring. “Everything from the ambassadors to the annual fundraising event to draw in more money.”For any charity to be able to tap into that huge level of expertise is really powerful.”The thing with BoxWise is the opportunity we offer at the end of the ten-week programme. “We pay for young people to take on further education or employment courses.”For any young person you’ll have an outcome after ten weeks, but what’s the long term outcome? “They will change so much, but they will still need that support after ten weeks.”Rick added: “I really hope that one of the things Frank will bring is being to open some of those doors within the sport as a whole.”Whether those young people want to carry on boxing, get into coaching or start volunteering in their local communities.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If we’re bringing thousands of young people through the programme each year, there’s going to be some serious undiscovered talent. “Could the boxer of the future be here? Never say never. It’s absolutely possible.” More

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      Joey Barton charged after ‘comparing Eni Aluko to Fred & Rose West’ – but he slams ‘Banana Republic’ legal system

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      JOEY Barton has been charged with malicious communications towards pundit Eni Aluko after sharing a string of alleged vile posts.The former footballer is accused of comparing the ex-England star and fellow commentator Lucy Ward to Fred and Rose West.Joey Barton has been charged after allegedly targeting female punditsCredit: AlamyHe directed a barrage of abuse to Eni Aluko, it was saidCredit: GettyBarton, 41, has now been charged with malicious communications and is set to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.The ex-Bristol manager slammed the development on X today, saying: “I’m up next month for ‘malicious communications’ charge at Warrington Mag for Eni Aluko tweets.”Crazy times we’re living in. Haven’t the Police got enough on their hands?”British system is becoming a Banana Republic. Lawfare used against its own citizens for having a dissenting voice.”Read more newsBarton landed himself in hot water after launching into vile attacks against a string of female pundits in December.This included Eni and Lucy, who at the time were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Barton allegedly claimed Eni “can’t even kick a ball properly”, before adding: “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low. “Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”Most read in FootballThe former Man City star then accused Eni of being in the “Joseph Stalin category” for “murdering hundreds of thousands of fans’ ears”, it is said.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.Laura Woods branded a ‘queen’ as Eni Aluko spots what ITV presenter did five minutes before going live at Euros She added: “It’s really important to say that online abuse has a direct impact on your safety and how you feel and how safe you feel in real life. I’ve felt under threat this week. I’ve felt like something is going to happen to me.”And I don’t say that for anyone to feel sorry for me – I say that for people to understand the reality and the impact that hate speech has, the impact that racism has, the impact that sexism has, the impact that misogyny has on all of us females in the game, in sports broadcasting.“That’s the real impact – and it’s not an isolated incident, this is now showing up as a culture in the game, from certain fan bases and certain people. “They’re creating a culture where people don’t want to go to work, people don’t want to leave their house, people feel under threat. Obviously there’s a big impact on mental health as well.”Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton also allegedly targeted Lucy WardCredit: Getty More

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      Blow to Jack Grealish as Man City ace is still ‘on the edge’ after no arrests made over £1million raid on his home

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      FOOTIE star Jack Grealish fears cops will never catch the robbery gang behind a £1million raid on his home.There have been no arrests seven months on and Man City ace Jack is said to still be “on the edge” over the ordeal.Jack Grealish fears cops will never catch the robbery gang behind a £1million raid on his homeCredit: GettyBurglars snatched jewellery and watches worth £1million during the December break-in while Jack, 28, was playing away at Everton.His girlfriend Sasha Attwood, 28, and ten members of his family were at the £5.6million property and raised the alarm.But months later, Cheshire Police have brought no suspects in.A source said: “Jack fears they will never be caught.Read More on Sport“This left him absolutely distraught — it impacted him and his family badly.“Seven months on and no arrests have been made. Police say they are still investigating it, but there’s a real fear they have fled the country.“Jack is worried they’ll never be caught and will do it again.”This month, Jack — who missed out on England’s Euros squad — revealed he and Sasha are expecting their first child. Most read in FootballThe pair have been together since their teens.The raid at his mansion near Knutsford sparked a huge police response with dog teams and a helicopter hunting for clues.Thieves have stolen up to £1million worth of jewellery from Jack Grealish’s new pad while the Prem ace was playing for Manchester CityHis home is in a wealthy area repeatedly targeted in recent years by professional burglary gangs from Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Peru.Following the raid, Jack posted on Instagram: “I can’t begin to explain how devastated I am over the burglary that took place at my home.“My family means the world to me and nothing is more important than ensuring their safety.“This has been a traumatic experience for all of us, I am just so grateful that nobody was hurt.”Other footballers targeted by burglars include Man City defender Joao Cancelo, who was physically attacked in December 2021.Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and then Man Utd aces Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria, have also been hit.After the raid at Jack’s home, City manager Pep Guardiola warned ­ against social media posts. More

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      Cops foiled suspected terror plot ahead of England’s Euro 2024 final when they raided ‘ISIS cell’ hours before kick off

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      POLICE foiled a suspected terror plot from IS ahead of England’s Euros final – raiding a series of addresses just hours before kick-off.Officers swooped amid fears of an imminent attack on the Three Lions fan zone in Berlin’s sprawling Breitscheidplatz.Three suspects were detained by German special forces during a series of co-ordinated raidsCredit: Story Picture AgencyThe raid on the suspected terror cell came hours before England’s Euro 2024 finalCredit: AFPThe men were said to be known IS supporters already under German police surveillanceCredit: EPAThousands of supporters had gathered there ahead of England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in last Sunday’s football showpiece.Three suspects were detained by German special forces during a series of co-ordinated raids in nearby Potsdam. It has since emerged that police searched three addresses while looking for five men after pictures were taken on phones of Breitscheidplatz and a large church.The men were said to be known IS supporters already under German police surveillance.READ MORE EURO 2024A 2016 terror attack at Breitscheidplatz saw jihadists drive a truck into a Christmas market, killing 12 and wounding 56.A spokesperson for Berlin Police told The Sun on Sunday: “The homes of three men were searched at three addresses in Potsdam.“Forces from the special task forces were involved in the operation.The measures were carried out in connection with an immediate threat from the Islamist spectrum.”Most read in FootballSources said the men were put under surveillance in the days leading up to the final.The suspects have since been released under investigation.ISIS will make comeback… we must act now or face another 911, says CIA bossIt comes after we exclusively reported a chilling terror warning ahead of the Euros from the German Interior Minister in March.Nancy Faeser said: “One thing can be said for sure – the dangers have reached a new level. The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats.”The latest threat comes amid heightened security in Paris ahead of the Olympics which begins on Friday. British cops will be among a 45,000-strong force patrolling the streets of the French capital.Central parts around the Seine, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, are already shut to vehicles.Last month IS terrorists threatened attacks on the Olympics.The group posted an appalling propaganda image showing one of its terrorists flying an armed drone into the Eiffel Tower.READ MORE SUN STORIESSome 130 people on France’s terrorist watchlist have already been prevented from entering the country.At least 10 terror attacks have been foiled across Europe in the last 12 months alone, according to Dutch spooks.                        More

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      in Boxing

      Former British boxing champ Scott Fitzgerald wanted by police on suspicion of ‘wounding with intent’

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      FORMER British boxing champion Scott Fitzgerald is wanted by police on suspicion of “wounding with intent”.Preston Police have issued an appeal to locate Fitzgerald and warned members of the public not to approach him.Scott Fitzgerald is a former-super welterweight championCredit: GettyPolice released a photo of the former champion boxerCredit: X/ PrestonPolicePreston Police wrote on X: “Have you seen Scott Fitzgerald?”Fitzgerald, 32, is wanted for wounding with intent. He is 5ft 9in tall, of stocky build, and has short, dark brown, wavy hair. “Fitzgerald has connections to Preston.”They added: “If you see Fitzgerald, please do not approach him, and call 999.READ MORE IN BOXING”For non-immediate sightings of Fitzgerald, or if you have any information that could help us, please call 101 or email 363@lancashire.police.uk”Fitzgerald had been planning a boxing comeback after being found not guilty of rape in February 2024.He had pleaded his innocence since he was first arrested in 2020.A jury at Preston Crown Court took less than two hours to reach a unanimous not-guilty verdict.Most read in BoxingFitzegerald said outside court: “It’s been four years of hell. But my focus now is getting back in the ring – possibly as early as May.”I’ve been in the gym training for the past three months and I’m just so glad this is over.Scott Fitzgerald turned pro after winning Commonwealth goldCredit: Getty”It’s been horrible with this hanging over me. I always knew I was innocent and the truth would finally come out.”Now I just need to get my boxing licence back and get down to some hard work.”Fitzgerald was jailed last year after flooring a man outside a pub with a single punch.Victim Leevi Francis suffered a broken jaw and a cut below his eyebrow after being knocked unconscious outside the Grand Junction in Preston.Fitzgerald was jailed for 46 weeks after he pleaded guilty to GBH on the first day of his trial.The promising amateur won welterweight gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.He turned pro in 2015 and won his first title four years later as he beat Anthony Fowler to land the WBA International super-welterweight belt.Fitzgerald took the British super-welterweight strap by beating Ted Cheeseman in 2019.His last fight was a win over Gregory Trenel in 2021 which took his record to 15-0 with 10 KOs.The boxer started off well in the pro ranksCredit: ReutersFitzgerald spent 12 days at the Sporting Chance clinic to try and overcome an addiction to gambling and alcohol in 2020. He said at the time: “I’m a compulsive gambler and I’m an alcoholic.“I could tell you 500 stories that got me into this position.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s been something that has been out of my control for a good few years.”I’ve blown money and wasted time. I finally decided to do something about it.” More

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      Mike Perry’s stunning rise from fighting in the streets to working as a weed whacker in prison and now boxing Jake Paul

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      SITTING in a prison cell after a botched robbery – Mike Perry’s prospects in life looked bleak. But after serving his time and turning to a career in professional fighting, Perry has completed a complete life turnaround. Mike Perry has had a stunning life turnaroundCredit: Instagram / platinummikeperryHe went from prison to prizefighterCredit: Instagram / platinummikeperryHe is the face of bare-knuckle boxingCredit: Instagram / bareknucklefcThe American was raised in Michigan, were racial tensions were high in Perry’s predominantly black neighborhood. It meant Perry was brawling in the streets way before he was being paid to do so as a profession. “I’ve always been a fighter. Being born in Flint, Michigan, we got great fighters from that area,” Perry told SunSport. “And, I ain’t gonna front being a white boy, having to defend yourself, just hazing in school between the boys.“Guys were strong already and at a young age, I remember guys being 6ft tall with beards in middle school, dunking the basketball and that went around all the sports, football, basketball, boxing, wrestling.” Perry discovered his talent for throwing hands well before picking up prizefighting paydays. “I always just had a knack for physicality,” he said. “I was strong, I was short, I was low to the ground and it took me a long time to realise that I had those abilities. I didn’t know.Most read in Boxing“And then I’ve been coached a lot, had lots of different trainings in my life.“It’s just something that I’ve had in my back pocket and that if I get mad or angry, I can fight, I can fight out of anything.” Sadly, it did not take long for trouble to find Perry. In 2011, aged just 19, Perry and a pair of accomplices drove to a home with the intention of committing armed burglary. But it was botched as the homeowner was in – although police happened to be scoping the area and caught the trio red-handed.Perry was sentenced to two years house arrest and probation – but he was later jailed after violating his terms. He finished the rest of his sentence incarcerated – but it kickstarted the turnaround his life needed. “I did learn a lot from it,” he admitted. “It was like a strict boarding school and you’re in there with a bunch of other guys who can’t get their s*** together either and you got nothing in there but time to get your s*** together.” Perry would spend time in the jail house gym or doing his own makeshift workouts in his cell when he was not working. “I had a job, I went to two different jails without leaving jail,” he said.”They transferred me a couple of times and I worked in the kitchen at one, so I could eat more.“It’s like you worked for just for food, for extra food in there. And then at the other one, I worked road crew where we got to leave and I weed whacked.”When Perry was released he got a job at a UFC gym teaching kickboxing classes while having a few amateur MMA fights. He made his MMA debut in 2014 and in just two years and seven bouts he was signed by the UFC. “I started making jumps and leaps and in the pros and in a short amount of time,” he said.”I think two years, I had seven knockouts in under the third round.“I hadn’t even been to the third round and then I got to the UFC and knocked out a couple more.”It was like a strict boarding school and you’re in there with a bunch of other guys who can’t get their s*** together either and you got nothing in there but time to get your s*** together.Mike Perry on his prison time Perry would go on to become a cult hero in the UFC, beloved for his toughness and all-action style. He spent five years in the UFC before leaving in 2021 to find his true calling. Perry signed a deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and became the face of the brand thanks to his gritty style. He is 5-0 with exposed fists having knocked off some of MMA tops stars of recent years. And after years of callouts, Perry has finally landed his dream fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Paul, 27, was due to face Mike Tyson until the boxing icon, 58, withdrew amid a health scare. So Perry – three years after sparring Paul in Miami – finally gets his crack at the 9-1 social media sensation. And he promised that Paul will not hear the scheduled eighth and final round. “My prediction for the fight, I think I’m gonna get in there, I’m gonna showcase my skills,” he said. READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m probably gonna hit Jake pretty hard throughout the fight early on, second round, third round, fourth round.“And then I’m thinking I can stop him in the seventh. I’m looking to stop him, I’m looking to hit him hard with significant strikes and stop him before the end of the fight.” More

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      Former Premier League star is jailed for raping two women in horrific sex attacks including one in back seat of his car

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      A FORMER Premier League star has been jailed for 16 years after raping two women in separate sex attacks.Nathan Ashton, who played for Fulham and Charlton, attacked the first victim after driving her to remote countryside.Nathan Ashton attacked two women across an eight year periodCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe sex fiend has been locked up for 16 yearsCredit: Hyde News & PicturesThe 37-year-old ordered her into the back seat where he raped her before telling the woman: “You’ll live”.Ashton then targeted his second victim eight years later while she slept in a friend’s bed.The former footballer has now been jailed for 16 years after being convicted of the two rapes.In powerful victim impact statements, one of Ashton’s victims told how she will never be free from the “impact” of the attack.Read more newsShe added: “Because of what he chose to do to me, I have feared men ever since – and always will.”The feelings I hold for him are disgust and hatred. I think he is a vile human being.”The second woman told how she now suffers from panic attacks as she revealed the “far-reaching and devastating impact” on her life.Reading Crown Court was told the first attack took place in 2015 when Ashton drove his victim out of the city centre in to the countryside.Most read in FootballThe following day, the woman went to a sexual health clinic and told a worker what had happened.She waited five years before bravely coming forward to police as she feared no one would believe her.The second attack unfolded in February last year when the victim woke to find former England youth player Ashton on top of her.She begged the fiend to stop repeatedly but he carried on the horrific attack.Sentencing, Judge Mathew Turner said: “You used your physical strength to do what you wanted, with no empathy or compassion for your victims.”You are manipulative and focused on yourself and your own sexual satisfaction.”Ashton began his footballing career at Charlton Athletic’s youth team in 2005 before being signed for Fulham two years later.He played on the wing for the Premier League club before moving to Crystal Palace on loan for a season.In 2008, Ashton joined Wycombe Wanderers but left shortly after for a stint at AFC Wimbledon.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe hung up his boots in 2014 after a season at Isthmian League Division One North club Tilbury.In 2016, Ashton was jailed for 15 years over his role in armed robberies at bookies across the South East. More