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      Footballer, 24, charged with string of sex offences including imprisoning and raping woman

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      A FOOTBALLER has been charged with a string of sex offences including rape.Harry Butters allegedly imprisoned and sexually assaulted the woman, who is aged over 16, in March.Harry Butters has been charged with raping a womanCredit: NNPThe 24-year-old appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court for a hearing.Butters is accused of two counts of sexual assault, one of rape and a count of false imprisonment.All the offences allegedly took place on March 2 in the Darlington area.Butters, who plays for Darlington FC’s under 23s, was released on conditional bail to appear at Teesside Crown Court next month.Read more newsHe has been made subject to a n electronically monitored tagged curfew between 7pm and 7am.Butters has been suspended by the club pending the outcome of court proceedings.He has so far played 21 times this season – including in Darlington’s 5-0 win over Crook Town Youth on March 1.The team said in a statement: “The player is suspended until further notice.”Most read in FootballButters plays for Darlington’s youth teamCredit: NNP More

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      Ruthless gang ‘stole £80k-worth of cash and jewellery from Prem star Alexander Isak’

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      A GANG of international thieves stole jewellery worth £68,000 and £10,000 in cash from the home of Premier League star Alexander Isak, a court heard yesterday.They drove from Italy in a car and a motorhome to target upmarket properties, it was said.The Newcastle United and Sweden striker was the third victim of the gang in April last year.They also took a safe and his Audi sports car — which was later found abandoned, Newcastle crown court heard.Isak, 25, was not at his home in Northumberland at the time of the raid.Three members of the same family have already admitted conspiracy to commit burglary.Read more on Alexander IsakBut Valentino Nikolov, 32, denies the charge and is on trial with his ex dad-in-law Safet Ramic, 58, who denies handling the safe. Prosecutor Daniel Cordey said: “It is the prosecution case that they all travelled to the North East together as part of that conspiracy or agreement to commit high value targeted burglaries of residential properties.“Once in the North East, the Citroen C3, a black small car, was used then to travel to and from the burglaries”Trial continues.Most read in FootballIsak was not at his home in Northumberland at the time of the raidCredit: ReutersUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Footballer starts League One match just hours after pleading guilty to causing cyclist’s death in horror crash

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      A FOOTBALLER started a League One match just hours after he pleaded guilty to causing a cyclist’s death in a horror crash.Mansfield Town striker Lucas Akins, 36, was driving his Mercedes G350 near Huddersfield when he hit 33-year-old Adrian Daniel.Lucas Akins admitted causing a cyclist’s death in a horror crashCredit: GettyAdrian Daniel was struck by the player’s MercedesCredit: West Yorkshire PoliceThe cyclist was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but tragically couldn’t be saved and died ten days later on March 27, 2022.Akins appeared at Leeds Crown Court yesterday where he admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.Just hours later, he took to the pitch for Mansfield Town in their 0-0 draw against Wigan.Manager Nigel Clough later discussed his decision to include Akins in his starting 11.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “We’ve known about it for some time, it’s not just happened but we’re not in a position to comment.”The court was told the horror unfolded on March 17, 2022, as Adrian cycled in the village of Netherton.Prosecutor Carmel Pearson said Akins’ plea was accepted by the Crown, who had relayed the information to the cyclist’s family.His Honour Judge Menary told the footballer: “You have pleaded guilty to the offence at count 2.Most read in Football”I am imposing an interim disqualification and you are now disqualified from obtaining or getting a driving licence. You must not drive on a public road.”Akins was bailed to return to court for sentencing on April 24.The striker came through the youth academy at Huddersfield and made his debut for them in 2007.He had stints at Northwich Victoria, Hamilton Academical, Partick Thistle, Tranmere Rovers and Stevenage.Akins spent eight years at Burton Albion before he joined Mansfield in January 2022.He has made four international appearances for Caribbean nation Grenada, who he qualifies for through his mum.The Mansfield Town star will be sentenced next monthCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League star Alexander Isak was targeted by ‘family of burglars who carried out string of high-value raids’

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      PREMIER League star Alexander Isak was targeted by a family of burglars who carried out a series of high-value raids, jurors were told.The Newcastle United and Sweden forward was the third victim of the gang, who had already stolen £1million of jewellery and clothes from a Tyneside businesswoman.Three members of the same family, living in Italy, have admitted conspiracy to commit burglary, Newcastle crown court heard.But a fourth, Valentino Nikolov, 32, denies the charge and is on trial.Dan Cordey, prosecuting, said the gang arrived in the UK via a ferry from Calais to Dover in a Citroen C3 and a Ford motorhome last March.They headed to London then drove to the North East a few days later, Mr Cordey said.Read more on Alexander IsakHe alleged the car was used to drive to targeted properties and they slept in the motorhome.The first burglary was at the home of Helen and Michael McCardle in Jesmond, Newcastle, on March 30 last year when the couple were on holiday, Mr Cordey said.The gang stole her CBE medal, the prosecution said, as well as clothes, jewellery, gold coins and handbags worth more than £1 million.The trial continues.Most read in FootballAlexander Isak was targeted by a family of burglars who carried out a series of high-value raids, jurors were told More

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      True story of Dicky Eklund – boxing champ-turned-crack addict who ended up in jail before inspiring Oscar-winning movie

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      DICKY EKLUND inspired an Oscar-winning performance by Christian Bale for his depiction of the boxing champion-turned drug addict.Bale took Best Supporting Actor in 2011 for his role in The Fighter alongside Mark Wahlberg – who played Eklund’s brother Micky Ward. Former boxer Dicky Eklund in HBO’s ‘High on Crack Street’Credit: HBOChristian Bale with Dicky Eklund in 2010Credit: GettyChristian Bale played Eklund while Mark Wahlberg portrayed his brother Micky WardCredit: AlamyMicky Ward and Dicky Eklund in 2011Credit: GettyIt followed the story of how Eklund went from hometown hero who fought the great Sugar Ray Leonard for $7,500 (around £6,000) to a crack cocaine addict.His brother Micky meanwhile was attempting to break out of Lowell, Massachusetts, and into the big time in boxing.But 20 years before The Fighter’s release, Eklund featured in the grim true-life HBO documentary called “High on Crack Street”.It followed a group of drug users and drew back the curtain on the harsh reality of addiction. READ MORE IN BOXINGIn the episode, Eklund can be seen smoking from a crack pipe and reminiscing about his boxing past – and his 1978 loss to Sugar Ray.He is later arrested – for the 27th time – and his family put on a fundraiser to pay off the $5,000 bail. A group of locals, paying $10 apiece, watch back Eklund’s HBO fight against Leonard, which included a disputed knockdown against the legend. Eklund is eventually bailed and starts training brother Micky for a fight. Most read in BoxingAnd after Ward wins a bout, Eklund said: “I could’ve been probably up close to the champion of the world, maybe. If I lived the right life. Staying clean.”Eklund then went missing the day after brother Mickey’s fight and was found in a local crack house.A-listers in surprisingly humble cars & why Daniel Radcliffe feels ‘more comfortable in a £2k hatchback than a Ferrari’His trainer Mickey O’Keefe – who actually played himself in The Fighter – said: “The addiction’s too much for him. It’s real sad. “Sad because he’s got a family and kids at home. A little baby that depends on him.”Maybe the best thing for him is going to jail, maybe it will save his life.”The doc finishes with Eklund being sentenced to ten years in jail for a series of crimes including armed robbery. In that time, Ward went on to win titles and shared an iconic trilogy with the late Arturo Gatti which earned him $3million in total.Eklund only served five years in prison and came out to again train Ward. But he found himself in trouble with the law over the years, again getting arrested in 2006 on drug charges. Ward retired in 2003 after his trilogy loss to Gatti, who he later coached and became close friends with.His son visits him in jailCredit: HBOThis was Eklund’s disputed knockdown against Sugar Ray LeonardCredit: HBOThe American opened up a gym and trained fighters alongside brother Eklund, who was clean of drugs. Their story was so inspiring Hollywood’s Wahlberg spent years trying to get it green lit. Eventually, director David O Russell produced the 2010 classic The Fighter with Wahlberg co-starring alongside Bale and Amy Adams.Bale dropped TWO STONE to portray drug-addicted Eklund at just 10st 3lb. The two spent time together in local Lowell bars and boxing gyms – with Bale still in touch with Eklund and his son Dicky Jr to this day. He told GQ in 2022: “Dicky, he’s such a character. “He makes his presence felt all the time. I spent so much time hanging out with Dicky beforehand. Wahlberg played Eklund’s brother Micky WardBale won an Oscar for his performance”Being in Lowell, hanging out with him, going walking around, getting kicked out of bars, having almost every cop stopping and going, ‘Hey, hey Dicky!’ and then telling me a story about when they arrested him. “Going to the boxing gym, jumping in the ring and sparring with him — and oh my God, it’s really quite something when you might think you can, ‘Ah, I’ll be a decent boxer,’ you spar with other amateurs and whatnot, I’d done that a few times. “But when you get in the ring with a pro? Bloody hell.”The success of The Fighter fuelled demand for a sequel and a year after its release plans for a follow up were in place. Wahlberg wanted to tell the story of Ward’s legendary trilogy with Gatti and their friendship after battle. But the sequel sadly never came to fruition despite Wahlberg never losing hope. He said in 2022: “I was never really in the sequel business. “But The Fighter really lent itself for another movie because of Micky and Arturo Gatti’s trilogy.I could’ve been probably up close to the champion of the world, maybe. If I lived the right life. Staying clean.Dicky Eklund, speaking on HBO’s ‘High on Crack Street’“I’m always kind of looking for the next thing. But if the audience really wants it, and they really love it, and we can make one better than the first then I’d be willing to do it again, for sure.”Gatti was mysteriously found dead in 2009 in a hotel in Pernambuco, Brazil where he was on holiday with his wife and ten-month-old son.His wife Amanda Rodrigues was initially charged with murder after Brazilian authorities ruled Gatti’s death a homicide. But after the coroner’s autopsy report was released, they declared it was a suicide by hanging, and charges against his widow were dropped.Ward often pays tribute to his opponent and close friend – posting a picture of them this past April. He captioned it: “Happy 52nd Arturo! Not a day goes by I don’t think of ya buddy.”Eklund has two sons, Dicky Jr and Tommy, and a daughter named Kerry. READ MORE SUN STORIESDicky Jr works at the famed Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles where Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach took him under his wing. And Sean was an 11-4 fighter who owns a gym himself Massachusetts, meaning after all these years, boxing is still in the family. Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward’s trilogy was the rumoured plot for The Fighter 2Credit: GettyEklund and Ward pose togetherCredit: Instagram More

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      Harrowing story of undefeated boxer who ‘lost his mind’ after drugs binge before ‘murdering wife’ and committing suicide

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      IT appeared Edwin Valero had the world at his feet as an undefeated champion with a beautiful wife and two children. But outside the ring he was battling a fight against drug addiction which would ultimately cost him his life.Edwin Valero had 27 wins all by KOCredit: AFPEdwin Valero pictured with wife JenniferBut he led a dark life in privateCredit: ReutersValero committed suicide in 2010Credit: AFPWBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told SunSport: “He had unbelievably heavy hands. “Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy, but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. “Valero grew up in Merida, Venezuela and began boxing at 12 in a bid to combat the anger that raged inside of him. He had an 86-6 amateur record with 57 knockouts, winning national titles three years in a row before turning professional in 2002. READ MORE IN BOXINGValero broke the record by winning his first 18 fights all by KO in a display of power never-before-seen. He was also becoming somewhat of a myth behind-the-scenes in boxing gyms, regularly KOing sparring partners in chilling fashion. By 20 bouts, Valero was WBA super-featherweight champion and later won the WBC belt in 2009. WBC boss Sulaiman – his father Jose in charge at the time – befriended Valero on the boxer’s rise to stardom. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSulaiman told SunSport: “He was very nice, very quiet. He had a great charisma, macho type, but he was a family man.” Valero shared son Edwin Antonio and Jennifer Roselyne with wife Jennifer.Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when revealing heavyweight who would have beaten him Heading into the late 2000s and Valero was making huge waves in the sport, linked with massive fights against the likes of Manny Pacquiao.But he also led a secret life of drink and drugs, which caused a strain on his relationship. In 2010, Valero was accused of assault after his wife was hospitalised with bruises and a damaged lung. The feared fighter denied wrongdoing – while wife Jennifer told cops she hurt herself falling down stairs. Valero’s troubles outside the ring also included being denied a 2009 fight on Pacquaio’s undercard after his visa was rejected due to a DUI in Texas. The boxer continued to KO opponents around the world, from America, Asia and Mexico. But he would celebrate with drug binges back home in Venezuela – something that would have fatal consequences. Valero was one of boxing’s hardest hittersCredit: AFPHe knocked out every one of his opponentsCredit: GettyHe was world champion in two weightsCredit: AFPSulaiman said: “The sky was the limit for Valero because he was young and talented and powerful. “Very unfortunately, he experienced the evil of cocaine. In just a short period of time, he lost his mind.” Valero’s final fight was against Antonio DeMarco in February 2010 in Mexico – he won via ninth-round KO and retained his WBC lightweight title.But just two months later and he was dead alongside his wife.Sulaiman said: “After his fight in Mexico – he fought in Monterrey, Mexico – he flew back to Venezuela and some people introduced him to cocaine and he had a horrible week.”We were contacted by his family and friends and my father was a couple of days away from getting a humanitarian visa so that he could travel to a rehab facility in the United States.”And there was also one in Cuba that was ready to receive him. And unfortunately, history turned that way and it didn’t happen.” Valero’s 24-year-old wife was found stabbed to death on April 18, 2010. Valero walks after being arrested in a police station in 2010Credit: ReutersHe would commit suicide one day laterCredit: ReutersValero was arrested after Jennifer’s body was discovered in a hotel in the city of Valencia, Carabobo.The 27-0 champion – who won every fight by KO – was considered the prime suspect – but he never faced his day in court. Valero was discovered hanging in his jail cell just a day after his arrest – committing suicide only 24 hours after allegedly killing his wife. Reports in Venezuela claimed Valero admitted to hotel security and police that he had murdered his wife.Jennifer’s family accused Valero of being a violent, drug-addicted bully who stopped eating or sleeping before taking it out on his wife.Sulaiman and his dad saw Valero and his family dining out after his last fight – unaware of the horrors that would follow. He said: “I never could have believed what happened.Very unfortunately his life ended in tragedy, in controversy but what happened inside the ring was tremendous by him. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman”I was completely shocked. Heartbroken in disbelief because he was a real good friend.” “He was a very dear, fighter, dear friend. And it’s just a tragedy.” Both Valero and his wife had public burials in Venezuela.Their kids were taken in by Jennifer Carolina’s sister and their daughter later took up amateur boxing in her father’s honour. A 2016 film titled El Inca – Valero’s boxing nickname – was selected as Venezuelia’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.Valero’s brother-in-law – Jennifer’s brother Yoel Finol – also became a boxer and represented Venezuelan at the 2016 Olympics. In the run up to the Rio Games, Finol revealed he had forgiven Valero for his alleged horrors and only began boxing as a kid due to his influence. Finol is now a 3-0 pro bantamweight but he has not fought since 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIESValero remains the WBC’s only champion with a 100 per cent KO ratio with his career in the ring still celebrated to this day. But the questions he left unanswered also still remain.Yoel Finol, left, is Valero’s brother-in-law and an Olympic boxerCredit: Reuters More

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      Premier League club boss admits arranging ‘cash for sex deal’ with teen girl he ‘raped at his home’

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      A PREMIER League club boss has admitted arranging a “cash for sex” deal with a teen girl he is accused of raping.The leading football figure, who cannot be named, is being sued by the alleged victim for aggravated damages.She claims she was raped by the man at his home when she was aged 15 after he invited her over to discuss a potential career opportunity.In High Court papers, the man admitted he had initiated a “cash for sex” arrangement while she was 16 or 17, The Athletic reports.He also claimed she had contacted him multiple times over the following years to offer sexual favours in return for money.His signed statement continued: “On the vast majority of occasions (he) has declined offers of sex, although he has engaged in sexual activity with the claimant on up to about 15 occasions in total over the years, for which he rewarded her with cash payments in line with her expectations.Read more news”On one occasion, the defendant engaged in sexual activity with both the claimant and her sister, both of whom were looking to earn some cash.”The football boss – anonymised in court as JZX – also branded her allegations as “dishonest and malicious”.The alleged victim came forward in 2021 claiming she was raped at his home when she was 15.But the man was not arrested and the case was left on file by the Crown Prosecution Service.Most read in FootballThis was due to a legal irregularity that meant the woman had waited too long to report the claims.Legislation at the time stated if the alleged offence took place between 1956 and 2004, and the complainant was a girl aged between 13 and 15, she had to make a report within a year.Although this was scrapped when the 2003 Sexual Offences Act came into place, it still applied if the alleged incident took place in the previous 48 years.She is suing the Premier League figure for aggravated damages for sexual assault and intentional infliction of injury.The woman claims that while he was showing her around the house, JZX subjected her to a “disgusting and traumatising” ordeal.She said in her own papers that he made her sit on his knee, told her she was a “good girl” and asked if she was a virgin.JZX then allegedly handed her £150 in three £50 notes after raping her.She says the alleged attack left her with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.The woman admits having sex on a number of occasions over the years but said she believed he would provide her with career opportunities “if she complied with his sexual demands”.READ MORE SUN STORIESJZX strongly denies the allegations and has stated the “implied contention that (he) might harm her or her family is wholly unfounded”.The BBC previously revealed how the boss was still in his post while awaiting the High Court trial.The leading figure in the Premier League has been accused of rape More

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      Istanbul derby SUSPENDED as Fenerbahce fans throw flares into Galatasaray end and police forced to intervene

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      GALATASARAY and Fenerbahce’s heated derby was interrupted after a raft of flares were thrown in the stands.The historic clash between the two bitter rivals had everything except goals as the two Istanbul foes played out a goalless draw at the RAMS Park.Galatasaray and Fenerbahce’s heated derby was halted in IstanbulCredit: AFPFenerbahce fans repotedly threw flares towards Galatasaray supportersCredit: ReutersThe derby was halted on 52 minutes by the refereeCredit: RexTrouble erupted despite the presence of 30,000 police officersCredit: GettyMourinho had to settle for a pointCredit: GettyTensions were sky high before kick-off as the two sets of players refused to shake hands after making their way on to the pitch.And Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic had to interrupt the clash in the 52nd minute due to crowd trouble.According to Hurriyet, Fener fans threw flares towards rival supporters.Scary scenes ensued despite the strict security measures which saw a reported 30,000 police officers on duty at the game.Read More on FootballHowever, the match was restarted after the authorities intervened and regained control.Jose Mourinho’s side were desperate for the three points to cut down the deficit with Galatasaray.And the visitors almost pulled it off on 67 minutes with the biggest chance of the match.Fenerbahce star Filip Kostic delivered a corner-kick that was met by Alexander Djiku’s header.Most read in FootballHowever, Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera produced a stunning double save as he denied Djiku and then Edin Djeko who came close to scoring from the rebound.Mourinho’s men, who will face Rangers in the Europa League’s last 16, are now in second place with six points separating them from the top.Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it Okan Buruk’s Galatasaray are now favourites to win a third successive Super Lig title. More