More stories

  • in

    Ex-Prem star and boxing champion Curtis Woodhouse punched and kicked his cousin in pub beer garden

    A FORMER Premier League star and boxing champ punched and kicked his cousin in a savage brawl outside a pub.Curtis Woodhouse, 43, attacked Alexander Woodhouse at the Spread Eagle pub in Driffield in Yorkshire.
    Curtis Woodhouse punched and kicked his cousin in a pub brawlCredit: PA
    The ex-Birmingham City star, nicknamed the “Driffield Destroyer” because of his tough reputation, landed a punch on his cousin after tempers flared.
    Woodhouse has now been fined £8,885 after he admitted assault by beating at Hull Magistrates’ Court, Hull Daily Mail reports.
    The horror unfolded on August 20 last year after the family fell out during a gathering at the pub.
    Alexander had said something unpleasant to Woodhouse and kicked his leg in the toilets.
    Read more news
    Woodhouse then attempted to clear the air later in the beer garden but his cousin was said to be aggressive towards him.
    The boxer said he could “anticipate” what was going to happen so punched Alexander before the family member could hit him first.
    JPs heard Woodhouse has a string of previous convictions, including assaulting a police officer during another pub incident.
    He was fined £6,500 and ordered to pay £300 compensation, a £2,000 surcharge and £85 costs for the latest attack.
    Most read in Boxing
    Former England under 21 star Woodhouse played for a number of clubs after beginning his career with Sheffield United.
    He also had stints at Peterborough United, Hull City, Grimsby Town and Rotherham United.
    The midfielder played for Birmingham City between 2001 and 2003 when the club were in the Premier League.
    He retired in 2006 and launched a boxing career where he was crowned both British and English light-welterweight champion.
    Woodhouse also fought for the WBO inter-continental welterweight title in 2011 but lost to Frankie Gavin.
    He left the sport winning 24 of his 31 fights – 13 of them by a knockout – with just seven defeats.
    After a spell playing non-league football, Woodhouse managed Marske United for just three months before he was sacked.
    Woodhouse had been at a family gathering when the drama unfoldedCredit: Action Images
    The light-welterweight champion pleaded guilty to assault by beatingCredit: Action Images
    He was slapped with a £8,885 court billCredit: MEN Media
    The former footballer has previous convictionsCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

  • in

    Former Tottenham star Edgar Davids ‘victim of £200,000 theft’ after having three dozen valuable paintings stolen

    EDGAR DAVIDS allegedly had £200,000 worth of valuable art stolen over a period of two years. The former Tottenham midfielder is reported to have had three dozen expensive pieces of street art robbed while living in North London.
    Dutch legend Davids last played for Barnet in 2014 while he was living in LondonCredit: Getty
    Artworks allegedly stolen includes the works of American artist Ron EnglishCredit: Getty
    The Times reports that the person alleged to have stolen the artwork, Nabila Habiby, is said to have used some of the art as security to apply for a loan.
    The publication also reports that the Metropolitan police charged Habiby in December with a trial set to take place in January at Wood Green Crown Court.
    Habiby, from Belgium, was reportedly charged with offences of theft and two of fraud by false representation.
    She is believed to have denied wrongdoing.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The art that was allegedly stolen is reported to include works of London street artist Paul Insect, who became popular for his spray paint craft.
    Habiby is alleged to have stolen 35 pieces of Insect’s art between 2014 and 2016, collectively valued at £152,000.
    The artwork of American artist Ron English, dubbed the ‘Godfather of Street Art’, is also alleged to have been stolen.
    Davids, 50, is believed to have been made aware of alleged thefts in 2017 and reported them to police.
    Most read in Football
    It was when Davids was living in North London that the Dutch legend caused a sensation by becoming player manager for League 2 side Barnet.
    But despite his best efforts he could not save them from relegation and resigned halfway through their first season in the fifth tier.

    Despite his memorable playing career for the likes of Ajax, AC Milan and Juventus, Davids has not enjoyed the best time in management.
    His next job after Barnet was seven years later at Portuguese minnows Olhanense.
    But he was sacked after just seven “disastrous” months. More

  • in

    Dani Alves’ estranged wife shares kiss with female pal on Instagram after ‘demanding divorce’ over star’s rape charges

    FOOTBALLER Dani Alves’ estranged wife has pictured herself sharing a kiss with a female friend after she demanded a divorce.Joana Sanz shared the clip of herself at a party with a pal with her almost one million Instagram followers.
    Dani Alves’ estranged wife Joana Sanz has shared a picture of her kissing a female palCredit: Instagram
    The model, 29, posted a video of herself with friend Sandra TabaresCredit: Instagram
    Alves and Joana split in January after seven years of marriageCredit: Getty
    The 29-year-old Spanish model and businesswoman is seeking a divorce from the Brazil and former Barcelona footballer after he was arrested over alleged rape charges.
    Joana posted a short video of herself with her friend, the model Sandra Tabares, for her birthday.
    In the clip, the two are seen with their arms around each other and singing at a party.
    The post includes an inset of the two sharing a kiss.
    READ MORE ON DANI ALVES
    Joana wrote on the story in Spanish: “Happy birthday, I LOVE YOU. Thank you for lifting me off the ground and filling me with vitality again.
    “We keep adding moments. Through thick and thin.”
    The Canary Island-born model also shared a link on her Instagram story to an article in the Spanish publication El Mundo about women whose partners have been unfaithful.
    In the article, which features pictures of Joana, the author writes: “Infidelity should only dwarf the one who lies, but it is difficult to ignore the component of shame felt by those who have been deceived.
    Most read in Football
    “Is the break up out of self-love or pressure?”
    Alves, 39, appeared in a Spanish court on Monday where he insisted that his sexual encounter with his alleged victim at a Barcelona nightclub was consensual.
    The right-back, who most recently played for Mexican side UNAM, has been in jail since January 20 after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman in December last year.
    Alves initially denied having sex with the woman, but later changed his story.
    He claimed that he had lied at first because he wanted to save his marriage to Joana, with whom he tied the knot in 2017.
    Joana removed most of the photographs of her with the footballer from her Instagram after the allegations came to light.
    In a heartfelt handwritten letter which she shared on her social media, she said: “I chose as a life partner a person who in my eyes was perfect.”
    She went on: “It’s so hard for me to accept that this person could break me into a thousand pieces.”
    Adding that she would “always” love Alves, she concluded: “Forgiveness sets you free, so I will keep the magic of the period and close a chapter in my life that began on May 18, 2015.”
    Initially it was reported Alves had been accused of putting his hands down his accuser’s underwear inside the nightclub.
    It then emerged the woman had alleged she was slapped round the face and raped in a toilet.
    The former Barca star was also unable to explain the fact that police found the woman’s fingerprints all over the bathroom where the alleged assault took place.
    Read More on The Sun
    Last month it was revealed Alves had written to his estranged wife from behind bars.
    In the letter, he claims he is “completely devastated” by the split, and expresses his “regret” for what happened.
    Former Barcelona star Alves is accused of raping a woman at a nightclubCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Ex-Everton star who had child sex case dropped could soon make international return, manager says

    A FORMER Everton star could return to his international team after child sex offences were dropped against him.The Premier League star, who can’t legally be named, was held by police in July 2021 before being released on bail.
    The player could return to an international level
    Police revealed last week he will face no further action after the case was dropped.
    His international manager has now hinted at the player making a return if he wished to return to the club.
    He told local media: “He will have to decide for himself whether he wants to return to football and play again.
    “If he does, he will obviously be in my plans, if he maintains the same standard.
    Read more news
    “We are very happy because his name has been cleared and these two years must have been hell for him.”
    The manager also branded his player a “nice boy” as he revealed he “felt for him” during the ordeal.
    Police were scrambled to the star’s home in July 2021 where “several items were seized”.
    Everton confirmed he had been suspended while police investigated the allegations.
    Most read in Football
    In a previous statement, they added: “The Club will continue to support the authorities with their inquiries and will not be making any further statement at this time.”
    The alleged offences were described as “very serious” with a probe led by Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team.
    It was then confirmed in February that the Crown Prosecution Service were probing whether or not to charge the International star.
    A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told The Sun Online last week: “The investigation team and Crown Prosecution Service have been working together and reached the decision that the evidence available at this time does not reach the threshold set out on the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
    “Greater Manchester Police is committed to investigating allegations to secure the best possible outcomes for all involved and will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure individuals are supported throughout investigations and beyond.”
    Everton said previously the player had been suspended pending the probe More

  • in

    Amir Khan reveals his £72,000 stolen watch has been RETURNED after gun robbery – and his plans for jewellery

    AMIR Khan has revealed that the £72,000 watch that was stolen from him in a gunpoint robbery has been returned.The boxing legend posted a video to Twitter thanking the Metropolitan Police for recovering the valuable bling and finding the criminals who took it.
    Amir Khan has been reunited with a £72,000 watch that was stolen from him at gunpointCredit: Twitter @amirkingkhan
    He plans to donate the watch to charityCredit: Twitter @amirkingkhan
    He also revealed his plans to auction the watch off to “raise funds for the less fortunate”.
    Amir explained that some of the proceeds would be donated to addressing gun and knife crime in the UK.
    As well as his thanks to the cops, he praised the British media for raising awareness about his case.
    In the social media clip, Amir was filmed holding the watch and saying: “I’m going to give this to charity now.
    READ MORE BOXING NEWS
    “I’m going to auction it. I’m going to give it to the Amir Khan Foundation…to help needy people.”
    The former world champ previously revealed that he feared his kids would “grow up without a dad” after he was targeted by gun-toting thugs in April last year.
    He told Snaresbrook Crown Court that he was terrified as he stared down the barrel of a handgun while his wife, Faryal, sobbed beside him.
    He said: “I remember the gun – a foot from my face. I remember looking right into the barrel there, looking into the gun barrel.”
    Most read in Boxing
    CCTV showed two robbers exit a silver Mercedes, with one raising a gun towards Amir outside the Sahara Grill in Leyton, East London.
    Gunman Dante Campbell, 20, and crony Ahmed Bana, 25, have admitted conspiracy to rob and possessing an imitation firearm.
    Alleged spotters Nurul Amin, 25, and Ismail Mohamed, 24, were cleared of conspiracy to rob on Friday after a two-week trial.
    Amir is now based in Dubai but returns to the UK for one week each month for charity and TV work.
    Discussing the reasons for the move, he said: “The UK isn’t a safe place any more.
    “It’s like living in Mexico. I don’t feel comfortable. I love England. I won a medal for the country but I stay in Dubai now because it’s the only place I feel safe. I’ve had my career, won my fights, got money. I just want to be safe.”
    He also blasted London mayor Sadiq Khan, saying: “Since he has been in power, London has got so dangerous. He needs to pull his finger out and do something about it.”
    The former world champ was robbed in East London in April last yearCredit: Reuters
    Dante Campbell and Ahmed Bana are awaiting sentencing for their role in the plotCredit: Met Police More

  • in

    Chelsea’s ‘hottest fan’ traumatised after muggers snatched her phone & battered another woman in shocking street robbery

    A MODEL dubbed Chelsea’s “hottest fan” has been left traumatised after muggers snatched her phone and battered another woman in a shocking street robbery. Playboy bunny Maria Liman, 29, has told of her horrific ordeal after being mugged near Tower Bridge, in London, on Friday.
    Chelsea’s biggest fan was robbed in broad daylightCredit: Newsflash
    Maria says her phone was taken from her handsCredit: Newsflash
    The thief dropped four phones as he made his getawayCredit: Newsflash
    The Russian beauty was walking down the street in broad daylight when a man on a bike rode past and took the phone from her hands.
    Despite Maria screaming for help, the thief cycled across the road and robbed a second woman.
    Cops said the second victim was then pushed against a wall – leaving her with a head injury.
    Maria claims this is the second time her phone has been stolen in the area.
    READ MORE ON UK NEWS
    She said: “I held the phone very close to me and was holding it with both hands.
    “And then I just couldn’t believe it, again! Again!
    “They stole my phone, only this time the man was on a bicycle, wearing a black helmet and black clothes.
    “I started screaming very loudly, asking people to help me and ran after him, all the way I kept screaming to get attention.
    Most read in Football
    “The robber on the bike didn’t really care about my screams and my chasing and went to the other side of the road to pick up another girl’s phone.
    “I continued to run and scream all this time, and another young man came running.”
    Maria said the suspect then dropped four phones as he made his getaway.
    She said: “The robber ended up abandoning his bike. We almost caught up with him and he threw four phones away.
    “I live next to Tower Bridge. This is quite a touristy place and, as always, crime thrives in touristy places.
    “I would like to ask people not to be silent about such situations, to report it to the police, to attract people’s attention.
    “London is becoming more dangerous, and so you can lose your life or your beautiful face in the morning calmly going to work because of the phone.”
    The Met Police said they were called to the assault of the second victim.
    The force said: “At around 11:41hrs on Friday, 14 April police were called to a report of an assault on Tooley Street, Southwark.
    “Officers attended and spoke to a woman, aged in her 20s, who said she had been walking along Bermondsey Street when her phone was stolen out of her hand by two men on pedal cycles, causing her to fall over.
    “She managed to chase one of the men down the road before he pushed her into a wall, causing an injury to her head.
    “The suspect fell off his bike and made off on foot, discarding several mobile phones as he did so.
    Read More on The Sun
    “A number of other thefts and attempted thefts were reported at similar times nearby.
    “Detectives are investigating; enquiries are ongoing.”
    The model has urged people to report phone thefts to copsCredit: Newsflash More

  • in

    Shocking moment boozy ex-Premier League star CRASHES his Land Rover through wall of a Co-op ‘after 10 pints’

    THIS is the shocking moment a former Premier League star crashes his Land Rover through the wall of a Co-op, having sunk as many as 10 pints.Dad-of-three Danny Graham, who started his footballing career with Middlesbrough FC, was nearly three times the legal limit when he drove his 4×4 on November 4, 2022.
    The doors of the Co-op go flying as the Land Rover crashes through the shop entrance
    Debris can be seen littering the shop floor
    Graham during his playing days with Sunderland ini a match against Bristol Rovers in September 2020Credit: Rex
    The 37-year-old from Wynyard, County Durham, said he “can’t remember” why he got behind the wheel having drunk “up to 10 pints”.
    Graham, appearing at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Friday, pleaded guilty to drink driving.
    CCTV footage has now been released showing the moment that the former striker smashed through the store front of the Co-op in the village.
    The shocking smash happened just over a minute after a customer had left the shop with their dog, the court heard
    Read More on Danny Graham
    Footage shows the doors flying open as smashed glass and debris litter the shop floor.
    Graham, who also had stints at Watford, Swansea and Blackburn Rovers, said at the hearing he had been playing golf before going to a friend’s house to have some drinks.
    He has now been banned from driving for two years and given a 12-month community order in which he must carry out 180 hours unpaid work.
    Graham was also handed a 90-day alcohol ban, which will be monitored by a tag that can detect even a “small glass of sherry”.
    Most read in Football
    He must also pay a surcharge and costs of £199.
    Chairman of the bench Nigel Guerin warned him he would be jailed if he flouted the driving ban, saying: “You are a well-known person and a lot of people in Wynyard will know you.
    “If you get behind the wheel of a car I’m sure someone will get in touch with the police.”
    The court was told the forward was breathalysed at hospital after the crash.
    He was found to have 230mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The legal limit is 80mg.
    The shop had to close for five days and stock worth more than £5,000 was damaged – with a total loss of around £32,000.
    Michael Lawson, prosecuting, said: “Luckily, no-one was injured as a result of this collision.”
    The court was told Graham had never been arrested before the “unwise incident”.
    Veteran striker Graham began his playing career at Middlesbrough in 2004 where he scored one goal in 15 appearances for the club.
    After spells on loan at Leeds United, Darlington, Derby County and Blackpool, he signed with Carlisle in 2007.
    He spent two years at the club and scored 29 goals before moving to Watford.
    Graham left the club for then-Premier League side Swansea in 2011 and made 54 appearances before his three-year stint at Sunderland.
    Read More on The Sun
    He left the Black Cats in 2016 and spent four years with Blackburn Rovers where he netted 45 goals in 158 appearances.
    Graham returned to Sunderland in 2020 before retiring from professional football a year later.
    Danny Graham’s Land Rover can be seen wedged in the Co-opCredit: NNP
    Graham has been banned from driving for two years and given a 12-month community order in which he must carry out 180 hours unpaid workCredit: PA:Press Association More

  • in

    Ex-Red Bull F1 driver Robert Doornbos beaten with batons & has priceless Rolex stolen in violent attack

    FORMER Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos was clubbed over the head by bat-wielding thieves who stole his Rolex watch.The Dutch racer, 41, was ambushed by two crooks outside his home in Amsterdam.
    Robert Doornbos was beaten by thieves who stole his watchCredit: Getty
    The former F1 driver pictured with David Coulthard, Jackie Stewart and Nico RosbergCredit: AFP
    It is thought the horror robbery was planned and the thieves used a tracking device to follow his car’s movements.
    He arrived home shortly after midnight on March 18 and was attacked by two men.
    The ex-F1 star was struck over the head and his priceless Rolex watch was swiped, along with his phone.
    He said the incident has put him off wearing flash watches.
    More motorsport news
    Doornbos told RTL Boulevard: “It was intense.
    “I no longer wear expensive watches, only an Apple Watch, so at least I can count my steps.”
    Cops are investigating the violent attack and believe the two men responsible are aged between 25 and 30.
    A police statement said: “The victim got out of his car at around 00.15am after parking when almost immediately an unknown man approached him with an accelerated pace.
    Most read in Motorsport
    “He had a bat in his hand. The victim was hit in the head with the bat.
    “While the victim defended himself and called for help, he was robbed of a precious watch and his phone.
    “The duo [then] ran away from the Soetendaal, turning right in the direction of Vijverhoef.”
    Doornbos originally started out as a tennis player before giving up the sport to take up motor racing.
    He went on to compete in F1 in 2005 and 2006 for Minardi and Red Bull Racing.
    The sports star completed 11 races in his short stint and now works in punditry in the Netherlands. More