Crime

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Premier League star who went from millions to Universal Credit & bankruptcy wins row over house ownership

      by

      A FOOTBALL star who went from earning millions to going bankrupt and claiming benefits has won a court battle over a home.Ex-Premier League striker Marcus Bent has fought off bankruptcy trustees who tried for four years to seize a London property.
      Ex-Premier League footballer Marcus Bent has been battling bankruptcy officialsCredit: Simon Jones – The Sun
      They said the former striker – who played for top-flight sides Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Wolves – owned the house and should hand it over to help pay off debts.
      Yet 45-year-old Bent, who went bankrupt in January 2019, insisted it belonged to his 19-year-old daughter.
      He bought it for her in 2006 and meant it to be held in trust for her until she turned 18, he told London’s specialist Insolvency and Companies Court.
      Now judge Clive Jones has ruled in his favour, London’s Evening Standard newspaper reported.
      Read More On Premier League
      He said Bent’s estimated debt following bankrutpcy proceedings brought by tax officials was “a couple of million”.
      But Mr Jones said the house “fell outside the bankruptcy estate” and that trustees administering the estate, had “no interest” in it.
      Former England Under-21 international Bent, watching via videolink, told the judge after hearing the verdict: “We are very happy.”
      His daughter is from a former relationship with ex-fiancee Kelly Clark which ended in 2006, the same year he got together with Hollyoaks actress and future Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson.
      Most read in Football
      After they too split he later dated model and Celebrity Big Brother contestant Danielle Lloyd.
      Bent earned up to £20,000 a week during his football career but endured a miserable fall from grace after retiring.
      He turned to drugs and alcohol and also found himself with a criminal record after a police raid which saw him Tasered.
      And despite earning an estimated £10m during his playing days, he struggled with his finances – culminating in bankruptcy in 2019.
      He later told of being forced to claim Universal Credit benefits.
      Bent, born in Hammersmith in west London, was banned from the roads for 32 months in March last year after being found four times over the drink-drive limit.
      He pleaded guilty to driving his grey BMW X5 three-litre diesel on the A3 at Tibbet’s Corner in south-west London on February 27 last year.
      Magistrates in Wimbledon rejected his excuse he had only had two glasses of wine the night before, describing his reading as one of the highest they had seen.
      He was recorded at 134 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, whereas the the legal limit is 35.
      Bent’s lawyer Scott Ewing told the court the ex-footballer was “remorseful” while outlining his financial woes.
      Mr Ewing said: “He is not working at the moment, but does some football match commentary and recently was on Universal Credit.
      “He has no income, save for a £20,000 return on an investment, and says he had depression that led to drug and alcohol issues in the past.”
      Mr Ewing also described football as a “comfort blanket” for Bent, who struggled to cope after retiring and “went from having a high-profile, successful career to nothing”.
      The lawyer added: “Unfortunately sycophants and leeches provided unregulated investment advice.
      “He has now hit rock bottom, from where he’s looking up and there’s only one direction to go and that’s to give advice to others so they don’t fall into the same traps.
      “It is a pity it has taken something like this for Mr Bent to get the assistance he needs.”
      Bent had appeared in the same courthouse in 2016, being fined £385 for possessing cocaine at Chessington World of Adventures.
      Earlier that year he received a suspended prison sentence for possessing cocaine and affray, after being Tasered by police arresting him at his home in Esher, Surrey.
      His affray trial heard how he was high on cocaine when he ran at officers while wielding a meat cleaver and a kitchen knife.
      He later insisted: “At no point was I ever going to take someone’s life. I called them because I was hallucinating, paranoid, terrified.”
      Read More On The Sun
      But he revealed it prompted him to go into rehab, including a spell helped by former England and Arsenal captain Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance clinic.
      Bent’s other clubs during a 573-game, 113-goal career included Sheffield United – also now in the Premier League – as well as current Championship sides Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Middlesbrough and Queens Park Rangers.
      Bent’s 14 English league clubs included Championship side Birmingham CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The former striker was banned for drink-driving by Wimbledon magistrates last yearCredit: Square Mile News More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd reveal they won’t wait for takeover to make decision over Mason Greenwood’s future

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have revealed they will not wait for a takeover to make a decision over Mason Greenwood’s future.The 21-year-old striker was pictured by the Sun on a pitch for the first time since he was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault in January 2022.
      Man United’s Mason Greenwood was seen training for the first time since he was suspended
      Greenwood’s future is not linked United’s takeover and will be made irrespective of an acquisitionCredit: AFP
      All charges against him were dropped in February this year, but he remains the subject of an internal process being conducted by United.
      While there has been speculation about whether he will ever play for the club again, he is still under contract until 2025.
      Now it has been revealed that Greenwood’s future is not linked to the takeover and will be made irrespective of an acquisition, The Telegraph reported.
      It was previously understood they would wait until the ownership issue was resolved but that’s not the case now.
      Read more Sport
      The Glazers have been fielding bids for majority and minority stakes in Old Trafford since November, with their valuation standing at a mammoth £6billion.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of two main frontrunners, is looking to seek majority control by a slim margin.
      While on the other side, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani wants 100 per cent control as he plots a stunning investment.
      The case against Greenwood was discontinued because of a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light.
      Most read in Football
      It meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction, the Crown Prosecution Service said in February, adding that it had a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
      It comes as The Sun revealed manager Erik ten Hag is willing to bring Greenwood back into his squad.
      And most of his team-mates at Old Trafford would welcome him back into the dressing room if the club agrees. More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Neymar’s dad ‘ARRESTED over environmental crime after carrying out banned work on superstar’s mansion’

      by

      NEYMAR’s father, Neymar de Silva Santos, has been arrested by authorities in Brazil, according to reports. He was reportedly arrested over “environmental crime” after allegedly performing ‘banned’ work on Neymar’s mansion in Mangaratiba.
      Neymar pictured alongside his dadCredit: Instagram @neymarjr
      Neymar da Silva Santos was arrested over environmental crimeCredit: Splash News
      As reported by Uol Sport, Neymar senior was arrested during an operation carried out by Mangaratiba City Hall and the Civil Police following a complaint about environmental crime.
      His arrest followed an argument with Mangaratiba’s secretary of the environment, Shayenne Barreto.
      The report adds Neymar senior was released, but those in charge of the operation demanded “more education”.
      Barreto is said to have issued a fine of five million Brazilian reals, equal to £822,000.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      The problem appears to stem from an artificial lake he has allegedly built which reportedly “promotes deforestation, rock breaking and diversion of a river”.
      The building of the lake would constitute a number of environmental infractions, including the “diversion of water course, abstraction of river water without authorisation, abstraction of water for artificial lake, earthworks, excavation and movement of stones and rocks without authorisation”.
      Mangaratiba Municipal Environment Department are said to have led the operation.
      They are understood to have been supported by the Environmental Military Police and agents of the municipality’s Environmental Protection Group.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Neymar himself recently posted a grovelling public apology to his pregnant girlfriend Bruna Biancardi.
      The couple have reportedly dated since 2021, and became official in January 2022.
      Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian superstar Neymar, 31, and Biancardi, 29, then confirmed that their first child was on the way back in April.
      However, there seems to be trouble in paradise after Neymar took to Instagram to post a photo of them together alongside a lengthy apology.
      The former Barcelona forward wrote: “Bru, I do this for both of you and your family.
      “Justify the unjustifiable. No need to. But I need you in OUR lives.
      “I saw how much you were exposed, how much you suffered with all of this and how much you want to be by my side. And I stand beside you.
      “I made a mistake. I did wrong with you all.
      Read More On The Sun
      “I dare say that I make mistakes every day, on and off the pitch. But my mistakes in my personal life I resolve at home, in my privacy with my family and friends…
      “All of this hit one of the most special people in my life. The woman I dreamed of having by my side, the mother of my child. It hit your family, which is now my family. It hit your privacy in such a special moment that is maternity.” More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Ryan Giggs to face new hearing next month before re-trial for ‘assaulting ex-partner Kate Greville’

      by

      RYAN Giggs will face another court hearing next month ahead of a re-trial over alleged domestic violence offences.The ex-Wales and Manchester United footballer, 49, was not present for a pre-trial review on Thursday.
      Ryan Giggs in attendance at a Salford City match last monthCredit: Getty
      Giggs is charged with controlling or coercive behaviour towards Kate Greville (pictured)Credit: Tim Stewart
      The hearing at Manchester Crown Court dealt with matters ahead of Giggs’ re-trial, which is scheduled to begin on July 31.
      The ex-footballer denies controlling or coercive behaviour over a three-year period towards his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, 38.
      He has also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Ms Greville’s sister Emma during a row at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
      Jurors failed to reach any verdicts during his first trial in August last year, and a re-trial was ordered.
      Read more news
      During Giggs’ time at Old Trafford, Man United won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups.
      He stood down as manager of the Wales national team following a period of leave since November 2020.
      Giggs also won 64 caps for Wales and is the co-owner of League Two side Salford.
      Judge Hilary Manley ordered a further pre-trial hearing to take place on July 6.
      Most read in Football
      Giggs pictured leaving Manchester Crown Court in August last yearCredit: EPA More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Footballer, 21, who groomed girl, 14, on Snapchat before raping her is jailed

      by

      A FOOTBALLER who groomed a teenage girl on Snapchat before raping and threatening to blackmail her has been jailed.Barton Rovers player Kieran Hamilton, now 21, added the then 14-year-old victim on Snapchat in December 2018 before convincing her to send him explicit pictures.
      Kieran Hamilton scored a goal for his club the day after he was convictedCredit: Bedfordshire Police
      Barton Rovers terminated Hamilton’s registration when they learned of his convictionCredit: Getty
      Hamilton, who was 17 at the time, used these images as leverage over the victim and forced her to meet up with him.
      The victim, who felt suicidal, told police that she felt she had to do what Hamilton wanted so he would not share the photos of her.
      Hamilton, of Chesford Road, Luton, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
      After a trial in April he was found guilty of raping the girl in February 2019 and cleared of raping her in January.
      Barton Rovers terminated Hamilton’s registration when they learned of his conviction.
      He scored a goal in a 1-1 draw at Walthamstow the day after his conviction.
      In an impact statement read out in court, the victim shared how the incident has left her feeling scared and anxious, and the impact the assault had had on her future.
      She said: “Right after it happened, I was scared of being alone, I’d cry if I was on my own, and I couldn’t sleep alone.
      Most read in Football
      “I felt anxious all the time, nauseous and I stopped eating, and I started getting suicidal thoughts.
      “I lost a lot of my friends, in school I would disassociate myself and I would not pay attention to my lessons.
      “I would blame myself a lot for what happened, because I feel like I could’ve stopped it.”
      Judge Alan Blake, who sentenced Hamilton to five years in prison, said to him: “You displayed callous behaviour.
      “This was controlling and coercive behaviour to try and control two young teens. The fact you didn’t use physical force does not make it consensual – you knew she wasn’t giving genuine consent.
      “There was a significant level of harm experienced. Your messages portray manipulation and exploitation leaving the complainant feeling trapped.
      “Your attitude and behaviour make you a risk to young women.”
      Detective Constable Hayley Carroll from Bedfordshire Police’s cyber hub said: “Hamilton’s despicable and predatory behaviour saw him use explicit images as a means of controlling his victim for his own sexual gratification.
      Read More On The Sun
      “It is absolutely vile and completely wrong. We have a clear focus on tackling any perpetrators of violence against women and girls and putting them behind bars.
      “No matter when an offender abused or exploited you, we want to know about it. We will listen and put these people behind bars so they cannot hurt any one else.” More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Maguire’s Mykonos retrial date revealed in potential blow to transfer away from Man Utd

      by

      HARRY MAGUIRE’S retrial date has been set for February 7 in Greece, nearly three years after convictions of assault and attempted bribery were quashed.The Manchester United captain, 30, was arrested while on a family holiday in Mykonos in August 2020.
      Harry Maguire was found guilty three years ago but appealed and saw the charges quasedCredit: AP
      Maguire has been linked with a move away from Manchester United this summerCredit: Getty
      He was initially found guilty of assaulting police, resisting arrest and attempted bribery and punished with a suspended jail sentence of 21 months and 10 days.
      Maguire’s brother, Joe, and friend, Christopher Sharman, were also handed suspended sentences of 13 months.
      The England international swiftly appealed and saw the conviction quashed.
      That meant a retrial would automatically be heard at a higher court.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      The retrial was first postponed due to the Covid pandemic.
      It was then due to take place earlier this month, before Maguire’s legal team requested it be pushed back.
      If found guilty, he will not be able to receive a more severe punishment than his original sentence.
      And while Maguire is not expected to attend the trial in person, it is not an ideal position for the ex-Leicester man to be in as he heads off on his summer break.
      Most read in Football
      After starting England’s two Euro 2024 qualification wins, he will now enjoy some downtime.
      But he will continue to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford – four years on from his £80million arrival.
      Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham have all been mooted as potential destinations for the centre-back.
      However, fans may be concerned about his new court date being right in the middle of next season. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann charged by cops after ‘taking CHAINSAW to neighbour’s garage’ in long-running row over lake

      by

      ARSENAL legend Jens Lehmann has been charged after allegedly damaging his neighbour’s property with a chainsaw.Lehmann has reportedly engaged in a long-running feud with his neighbour that has resulted in several charges being brought against him.
      Jens Lehmann has denied any wrongdoingCredit: Getty
      The public prosecutor’s office in Munich has charged Lehmann with property damage and two cases of fraud, according to Suddeutche Zeitung.
      The dispute reportedly arose due to Lehmann being unhappy with his neighbour’s garage extension.
      The Arsenal Invincible took exception to the construction as it blocked his view of Lake Starnberg, and he is alleged to have used a chainsaw to severe the roof beams.
      Lehmann believes the new garage has been built on his land.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      He has owned his property on Lake Starnberg for 15 years, buying it for around £4.2million in 2007 while he played for the Gunners.
      It is also claimed Lehmann attempted to switch off a surveillance camera in order to go undetected, but was filmed throughout the incident as the camera continued to run on battery power.
      Police even investigated whether Lehmann was responsible for cutting his neighbour’s internet cable.
      While the fraud charges relate to an unpaid parking ticket according to Lehmann, who denied any wrongdoing.
      Most read in Football
      He said in a statement on Twitter: “The allegations made against me are not correct.
      “The fraud allegations made against me concern an unpaid parking ticket over €90. The damage, as always, is the enormous damage to reputation and disregard for privacy.” More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Fulham player Issa Diop released without charge after being arrested over secret ‘death threat’ recordings against ex

      by

      FULHAM star Issa Diop has been released without charge after he was arrested following allegations he was making ” death threats” to his ex-partner. The 26-year-old defender was arrested at the Pullman Hotel in his home city of Toulouse on Sunday evening.
      The footballer was arrested on Sunday
      Diop was accused of making threats against his ex-wifeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The Fulham player was detained in the Jean-Jaures area following claims of “repeated death threats” to his former partner, 29, over “alimony payments” for their child.
      An official source told the local La Depeche newspaper: “He is suspected of having repeatedly threatened his partner, aged 29, whom he is separating from.
      “Their divorce, which began months ago, is taking place in a climate of conflict.”
      But on Monday afternoon a spokesman for Toulouse prosecutors said: “The suspect has been released. There is no case to answer.” 
      read more on football
      The alleged victim is said to have claimed “large sums of money that Issa Diop would not be ready to pay her”.
      La Depeche reported that “the situation is so tense” that Diop “would have mentioned the possibility of getting rid of her indefinitely.”
      The newspaper noted that Diop “has already acknowledged some of the facts, stating that his words and threats were not serious.”
      The woman filed a complaint last week, but investigators had to wait until the weekend to arrest Diop, when he arrived from the UK.
      Most read in Football
      A local police spokesman said Diop, who used to play for Toulouse and West Ham, was in custody at the city’s Central Police Commiserate.
      Another investigating source told La Depeche: “In recent months, Issa Diop and the woman decided to split after having maintained a long relationship, during which the footballer become a father.”
      She is said to have demanded “a five-figure monthly payment” to look after the child, but Diop refused to pay it. 
      During a trip to Senegal in June, Diop left voice messages about the situation with friends, including ex-teammate Zinedine Machach, who currently plays football in Greece. 
      “On one of these recordings, the Fulham player explained his recent problems with his ex-girlfriend,” the source told La Depeche.
      “Above all, he confessed that he was thinking about making her disappear permanently to save money.”
      This conversation, which was meant to be confidential, was finally discovered by his former girlfriend last week. 
      Diop told police that he only said the words once, after “yet another argument,” according to the source.
      According to a police source in Toulouse, Diop was recorded by his ex-girlfriend saying: “She winds me up, I’m going to finish her!”
      He thought he was solely saying the words to relatives in the southwest city – not to the woman herself – and they were not meant to be taken seriously, he has told officers. 
      The telephone recording of Diop’s words was the main evidence against him, but his defence lawyers said it should be ruled inadmissible. 
      The recording was made without his consent, and was just banter with a family member, they said.  
      While Diop has mentioned being “married” in the past, the source said there was no record of a formal marriage anywhere. 
      Instead, the couple had been together for many years, and the woman believed she was owed alimony following their split earlier this year. 
      Diop, who earns more than £3million a year playing for Fulham, was in France on holiday at the weekend.
      The police source told the Franceinfo news outlet: “The pro footballer made death threats to some of his friends, after hearing how much was being claimed by his ex. 
      He said: “She winds me up, I’m going to finish her!’ while talking to the relatives, and not knowing his ex-girlfriend was secretly recording him. ”
      Diop signed a five-year contract with Fulham last August.
      The £15m move from West Ham to Fulham was completed after negotiations that lasted a month.
      A Fulham spokesperson said in a statement: “We are aware of reports emanating from France this morning regarding one of our players, Issa Diop.
      “We are currently liaising with the player’s representatives to establish the facts.”
      Diop was born in France to a Senegalese father and a Moroccan mother. 

      He started his football career at Toulouse FC, before signing for West Ham, and then transferring to Fulham.
      While at West Ham in 2020, he sparked a desperate search after losing his wedding ring during a Premier League clash with Fulham.
      Diop reportedly claimed his threats “were not serious”Credit: Rex
      The Fulham player has allegedly made “repeated threats” over “divorce payments”Credit: Getty More