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      Leeds catch ‘UK’s dumbest criminal’ as shirt thief goes on barely believable autograph hunt after stealing from shop

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      LEEDS UNITED caught the “UK’s dumbest criminal” after a brazen thief went on an autograph hunt after stealing from the club shop.The barely believable incident occurred last Thursday after staff at the Elland Road store spotted a man behaving suspiciously.
      The ‘UK’s dumbest criminal’ was caught after stealing shirts from Leeds United’s storeCredit: PA
      According to the Daily Mail, the concerns “proved to be accurate when he swiped a number of shirts and raced to a nearby car”.
      One of the Leeds staff took down the vehicle’s registration and instantly phoned it in to the police.
      Then, around 30 minutes later, “the motor triggered the automatic number plate recognition system close to the Premier League club’s Thorp Arch training base”.
      That is located near to Wetherby.
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      The culprit appeared to have driven straight to the training ground.
      And the report states they “presumably planned to hang around outside to ask players to sign them”.
      West Yorkshire Police quickly swooped to arrest the male.
      And now a 27-year-old has been charged with theft and is due to appear in court.
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      The report added how “unofficial signed shirts are the scourge of many top-flight clubs”.
      They claim that a number of clubs have now brought in security after some autograph hunters turned up at the homes of stars. More

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      Man City star Benjamin Mendy seen for first time since being acquitted of rape charges – as he faces retrial in months

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      BENJAMIN Mendy was today spotted for the first time since a jury cleared him of raping women at his isolated mansion.The smiling Man City star was snapped walking with two pals in Cheshire this afternoon – two weeks after being acquitted.
      Benjamin Mendy out in Cheshire on January 29Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The Man City star was cleared by a jury of raping four womenCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      The 28-year-old was accused by prosecutors of being a “predator” who “turned the pursuit of women for sex into a game”.
      Mendy also allegedly locked his victims in a “panic room” and hid their phones so they couldn’t escape.
      But on January 13, the French international was found not guilty of six rapes and one sexual assault against four women.
      Jurors could not reach verdicts on one count of rape and one of attempted rape against two other alleged victims after 67 hours and 17 minutes of deliberations.
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      He will return to court to be retried on June 26.
      On the day, Mendy’s lawyer said he was “delighted” to have been cleared of sex attacks and “looks forward” to clearing his name at re-trial.
      During the six-month trial, jurors were told by prosecutors that the left-back lured young women into “toxic and dangerous” situations at his six-bedroom Cheshire home.
      Co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie acted as Mendy’s “fixer” by getting girls as young as 17 to attend the lockdown-busting parties after nights spent in the VIP sections of clubs drinking £1,500 bottles of champagne, it was alleged.
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      Saha, 41, was found not guilty of three counts of rape relating to two teenagers. 
      Jurors failed to reach verdicts on three counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault against him by five other women.
      Some of the alleged victims claimed their phones were taken away from them on arrival leaving them unable to call for help.
      Once inside, the women were allegedly treated as “disposable… used for sex then thrown to one side”.
      Mendy’s lawyer Eleanor Laws KC described claims he used his fame to attract the opposite sex were “utterly ridiculous”.
      She told the court: “He’s not the kind of character to deliberately harm anyone under any circumstances.”
      But during Mendy’s own evidence, he said it was “honestly so easy” for him to meet up with women and have sex “because of the status” – though admitted he’s no Brad Pitt.
      He also told jurors he would often sleep with different women on the same night, and reportedly boasted to one alleged victim that he had bedded 10,000 women, telling her it was a “privilege” to be one of them.
      Manchester City said it is “not in a position to comment further at this time”. More

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      Dani Alves plays first match for prison football team after ex-Barcelona star’s arrest for ‘horror nightclub rape’

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      DANI Alves has played a match for a prison football team after his arrest over an alleged nightclub rape.Brazilian international Alves was accused of sexual assault in a nightclub in Barcelona, where he plays his club football, on December 30.
      Dano Alves has reportedly played a match for a prison football teamCredit: AFP
      He is being held in Brians 2 prison in Catalonia, Spain after being accused of rapeCredit: EPA
      A 23-year-old woman identified Alves as her attacker to police, leading to his arrest on January 20.
      He is being held at the Brians 2 prison in Catalonia, Spain, where he has reportedly made his prison football debut.
      A source from inside the prison told La Vanguardia that “the expectation was great” as many of the other inmates idolise the Barca ace.
      The footie star allegedly told fellow inmates: “I will accept what comes. I left home when I was barely 15 years old. 
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      “I have overcome in my life very difficult and complicated situations. This will be one more that will pass. Nothing scares me.”
      In an odd twist of fate, Alves is sharing a cell with another Brazilian, named Coutinho, though it is most certainly not his national teammate.
      However, this Coutinho is not without his footballing connections, as La Vanguardia also reports that he was once the bodyguard to Brazil legend Ronaldinho.
      It comes after reports that Alves was signing autographs for other lags while behind bars.
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      A former inmate of Brians 2 showed Telecino a shirt signed by the football star, 39.
      He also revealed how Alves has been accepted in prison and no one has called him a “rapist”. 
      Alves initially denied any contact with his accuser, according to reports in Spain.
      In a Spanish TV interview, Alves said: “I don’t know who this lady is.
      “I don’t know her name, I don’t know her, I’ve never seen her in my life.”
      However, in a court hearing, the footballer reportedly told the magistrate he had consensual sex with the woman.
      His changing version of events was key to the decision to remand him in custody, El Mundo reports.
      It came after CCTV footage published by Spanish media was said to show him and the alleged victim in a VIP area and then going to the toilet for 47 seconds.
      The woman said that after the alleged attack she was too scared to leave the toilet for several minutes.
      When she finally opened the door the footballer and his companions had left the venue.
      She reportedly burst in tears and was comforted by her friends, before reporting it to the club’s bouncers.
      Read More on The Sun
      The star’s arrest came as a second blow for his heartbroken wife Joana Sanz just days after her mum died from cancer
      The Spanish model, 29, said she had lost the “two pillars of my life” following her husband’s arrest.
      The Brazilian international previously claimed to have never met the womanCredit: Getty
      However, he later changed his story to say that the pair had consensual sexCredit: Getty
      He is reportedly sharing a cell with the former bodyguard of Brazil legend RonaldinhoCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Dani Alves changed version of events that led up to ‘nightclub rape’ to cover up CHEATING, his new lawyer claims

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      DANI Alves changed his version of events about an alleged nightclub sexual assault to cover up his “infidelity”, his new lawyer has reportedly claimed.A Spanish TV current affairs programme said Cristobal Martell had made the admission off-camera after visiting the former Barca star on Friday at Brians 2 Prison near Barcelona.
      Alves is said to have changed his version of events to cover up his infidelityCredit: Getty
      Dani Alves with his wife Joana SanzCredit: instagram
      TVE programme Hablando Claro published images of Mr Martell leaving the jail after a two-hour visit.
      Reporter Dani Gonzalez, who had been dispatched to the prison, told a studio presenter: “A few minutes ago Dani Alves’ lawyer Cristobal Martell left the prison after a meeting with his client.
      “They spent two hours talking.
      “He told us off-camera because he didn’t want to make an official comment that the footballer is calm.
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      “Another of the important things he told is that Dani Alves gave his initial version of events when he was shocked and changed his version of events afterward to protect his wife because he didn’t want her to find out about the infidelity he had committed.”
      The 39-year-old Brazil international, who enjoyed two spells at Barcelona before signing for Mexican side UNAM Pumas last year, claimed before his arrest last Friday he had never met his female accuser.
      He is said to have admitted to having sex with her when he was questioned by a judge after his detention on suspicion of sexual assault.
      CCTV FOOTAGE
      The alleged inconsistencies in his statements have been linked to witness testimonies and CCTV footage showing the pair entering the toilet at iconic Barcelona nightclub Sutton where the 23-year-old woman says she was raped.
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      Alves changed lawyers and hired high-profile Mr Martell, who former teammate Lionel Messi has used in the past to defend himself in his tax fraud case, after reports of the changes in his version of events started to emerge.
      Overnight Alves’ Tenerife-born model wife Joana Sanz, who had shown her support for her husband after he was first linked to the alleged nightclub sex attack, removed nearly all the photos of them together from her Instagram.
      The few pictures of them that remain are linked to advertising campaigns.
      The couple married in Formentera off Ibiza in 2017.
      Following the footballer’s arrest Joana, who Alves had accompanied back to Spain from Mexico after her mother died, wrote in a social media message: “I ask media who are outside my house to please respect my privacy at this moment.
      “My mother died a week ago and I have barely begun to take on board that she is no longer with me for me to be tormented with the situation of my husband.
      “I have lost the only two pillars in my life.”
      CLAIMS SEX WAS CONSENSUAL
      Hours before he was remanded in custody and before it was claimed he had admitted having sex with his female accuser, she posted a photo of them holding hands with the message ‘Together’ in English.
      Alves’ ex-wife has been outspoken in her defence of the player, who was sacked by UNAM Pumas after his arrest.
      Dana Dinorah said earlier this week: “I’m still in shock. It seems like it’s a nightmare and it’s not happening.”
      Insisting she believed the father of their two children was innocent, the Brazilian-based businesswoman said in an interview with a Spanish TV programme: “Dani would never ever, ever do this.
      “I say this because I’ve known him for 22 years and was married to him for 10.
      “This has been a shock for me and for my children.
      “I have two teenage children who are suffering.”
      RAPE ALLEGATION
      Initially it was reported Alves had been accused of putting his hands down his accuser’s underwear inside the nightclub before it emerged the woman had alleged she was slapped round the face and raped in a toilet.
      Court officials have confirmed Alves is under investigation on suspicion of sexually assaulting a woman, but have not confirmed the exact nature of the allegations against him.
      His new lawyer is expected to submit a bail application shortly and argue the footballer is not a flight risk.
      Even if he is released from prison in the next few weeks he is expected to be made to remain in Spain and have his passport taken off him while the criminal probe continues.
      Investigations of the sort currently being conducted by the investigating magistrate can take months and even years in some cases to complete, although when suspects are being held in jail they speed up their probes as much as possible.
      People under formal investigation can be held in prison without charge for up to four years in Spain, although the normal limit is two years.
      Formal charges in Spain are only laid when an investigating magistrate rules there is sufficient evidence for a trial to take place and subsequently invites prosecutors to submit an indictment.
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      Both the state prosecutor and a lawyer acting for Alves’ female accuser are expected to oppose any bail application from his lawyer.
      The final decision on a conditional release would be taken by a higher court and not the one that is currently investigating the footballer. More

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      Two Scots footballers who battered man on a night out in Dublin handed suspended jail terms

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      Two Scots footballers who carried out a “shameful attack” during a night out in Dublin have walked free from court after being handed suspended prison sentences.Montrose stars Liam Callaghan and Craig Johnston chased a ‘blameless’ 52-year-old man through the city streets, swung a traffic cone at him, punched him and clobbered him with a box.
      Liam Callaghan chased a ‘blameless’ 52-year-old man through the city streetsCredit: Callan Media – The Sun Glasgow
      Craig Johnston also chased the man alongside CallaghanCredit: Callan Media – The Sun Glasgow
      Police clocked the two 27-year-olds from Fife carrying out the assault and grabbed them as they tried to leg it.
      The semi-pros with the League One side had earlier pled guilty to assault causing harm and obstruction in Dublin City Centre on December 8, 2019.
      Imposing sentence today at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Orla Crowe said the injured man had been “attacked by two men who had no reason to come down a road after him”.
      The court was previously told there had been an altercation between the victim and a colleague of the two accused men at a Xico bar on Baggot Street.

      Judge Crowe noted there had been no prior interaction between the then 52-year-old victim and the two accused, and what had happened at the late bar had “nothing to do” with Callaghan and Johnston.
      Judge Crowe said this was a “shameful attack carried out by two people visiting this country” and the men had “involved themselves in a matter that was at an end”.
      She said the assault had serious consequences for the victim, which was an aggravating factor in this case.
      Defence counsel told the beak that the pair had brought €6,000 to court as a token of remorse, which the victim was willing to accept.
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      Judge Crowe said she took into consideration as mitigation the fact that both men have no previous convictions for violence, are working and are talented footballers.
      She noted that both men are very remorseful and have travelled from Scotland to attend all court dates.
      She said Callaghan was the “more dominant” of the two men during the attack, having thrown the first punch, but Johnston joined in.
      She imposed a two-year prison sentence on both men. 
      Judge Crowe said in the circumstances, she would suspend the sentence in full on condition that both men keep the peace for two years.
      She also directed that the gesture of remorse from both men was to be handed over to the victim.
      Callaghan took the stand and apologised directly to the victim on his and Johnston’s behalf for what happened. 
      Character references from the defendants’ employers and Montrose FC were handed to the court.
      Both defendants have recently signed contract extensions with the Scottish club. 
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      They had also lost a close friend in tragic circumstances in the months before this incident, although no details of that were revealed.
      We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at scoop@thesun.co.uk or call 0141 420 5200 More

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      Premier League international arrested for ‘rape’ has bail extended for a third time – leaving him free to play

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      A PREMIER League star arrested on suspicion of rape has had his bail extended until the summer.The footballer is accused of raping two women in separate attacks, one in June last year and one in April 2021.
      The footballer’s bail has been extended for a third timeCredit: Getty
      He had been due to answer police bail this month but this has now been extended for a third time until early July.
      The footballer, who was taken to the 2022 World Cup, was held last July after police swooped on a home in North London.
      His first alleged victim, in her 20s, claimed she was raped during a break in the Med in June.
      She fled the five-star resort she was staying in and flew home to her friends and family, it is said.
      Read more on the Premier League
      The woman is understood to have spoken to police on her return to the UK and showed photos she claimed highlighted bruising on her body after the alleged attack.
      After his initial arrest he was later re-arrested on suspicion of two more counts from April and June 2021.
      The June allegation was later dropped by police.
      The player has not been suspended by his club while the investigation is ongoing.
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      Scotland Yard said previously: “On 4 July, an allegation of rape of a woman in her 20s was reported to police.
      “It was reported the alleged rape happened in June 2022.
      “While in custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of two incidents of rape that were alleged to have been committed in April and June of 2021 against a different woman in her 20s.
      “No further action will be taken in relation to the alleged offence in June 2021 because the relevant legislation had not yet come into effect at the time it is said to have occurred.
      “This has been explained to the complainant who continues to be supported by officers.” More

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      Newcastle star Joelinton ADMITS drink-driving after downing 2 glasses of wine – and gets fined a huge sum

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      NEWCASTLE star Joelinton has been slapped with a fine after he admitted drink-driving after sinking two glasses of wine.The midfielder, 26, was arrested on January 12 after being pulled over while in his £170,000 Mercedes Benz AMG G63.
      Joelinton today admitted drink-drivingCredit: PA
      Joelinton admitted to officers at the scene in Newcastle that he had drunk two glasses of wine earlier in the evening.
      A breathalyser test showed there was 43mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.
      The Brazilian admitted drink-driving at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court today.
      It comes less than 48 hours after he scored the winner in the Magpies’ Carabao Cup semi-final against Southampton.
      Read more on the Magpies
      The star was banned from driving for 12 months – although this can be reduced to nine months if he completes a drink-driving course.
      Joelinton was also fined £29,000 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge – totalling £31,085.
      The court was told the footballer earns £43,000-a-week – meaning it will take less than a week to pay the fine.
      He issued a statement after the sentence apologising for his actions.
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      Joelinton said: “Hi everyone, I wanted to acknowledge that I made a mistake and to publicly apologise to all the fans of Newcastle and all the people of this city. My actions unintentionally put other people in danger. For that, I am truly sorry.
      “I will learn the lessons from his incident and will do everything I can to be a role model for my family, for football and for society.”
      District Judge Paul Currer told Joelinton that he “sincerely hopes” he has learned from his mistake.
      He added: “This offending could, potentially, have had disastrous consequences for the lives of others, as well as yourself.”
      The court was told police had been sitting in an unmarked police car when their “attention was drawn” to a black Mercedes.
      Jonathan Stirland, prosecuting, said: “The sergeant formed the view that the car was speeding or going too fast for the road. It caused him [the sergeant] to turn his vehicle around and followed the Mercedes on to the Central Motorway.
      “He requested the vehicle to stop. The driver complied. While in a safe space, the officer spoke to the driver, who is the defendant before you today.”
      He admitted drinking the wine and was arrested after failing the breathalyser test.
      Geoffrey Forrester, defending, said the footballer was “utterly calm and compliant” and apologised for his antics.
      The lawyer added: “If he could turn back the clock, he would.”
      Joelinton was bought by Newcastle for £40million in 2019 from German side Hoffenheim.
      He has since become instrumental for the Premier League team.
      Manager Eddie Howe moved Joelinton from his position as centre-forward to a left-sided midfield role last season.
      Since then, the footballer has gone from strength-to-strength.
      Speaking about the player’s arrest, Howe said earlier this month: “It came as a shock. A difficult situation. Joe is very remorseful and was very upset. He knows the seriousness.
      “I can’t go into too much detail but he understands his responsibilities. We are supporting him but understand the situation.
      “‘Looking at Joe as a person, he is a very good professional and is hugely passionate about his career and the club. I was very much surprised by what happened.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We will back him and support him, while also educating him and helping him, that is important. He is very young, everyone makes mistakes. I think it is also important that we don’t overreact.”
      The footballer was pulled over by cops while in a MercedesCredit: PA
      Joelinton leaves court after pleading guilty to drink-drivingCredit: NNP
      Joelinton’s goal on Tuesday helped Newcastle win the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: Reuters
      The Brazilian defender was bought by Newcastle for £40million in 2019Credit: Getty More

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      Punters visiting black market online gambling sites tripled during the World Cup

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      THE number of punters visiting black market online gambling sites tripled during the World Cup, research shows.A total of 250,000 used unregulated overseas firms during the tournament — up from 80,000 in the same period in 2021.
      The number of visitors to black market gambling sites tripled during the World CupCredit: Getty
      The betting industry says it takes under 30 seconds to sign up to a black market site compared to 12 minutes for a regulated UK operator.
      It comes as ministers prepare to publish a gambling white paper.
      Michael Dugher, CEO at the Betting and Gaming Council, said punters face a “dire threat” from “the growing unsafe, unregulated black market”.
      He said the regulated industry worked hard to protect young people during the World Cup by adhering to strict regulations while black market operators “preyed on the vulnerable”.
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      He added: “While the regulated industry was going to great lengths to protect young people during the World Cup and adhering to strict regulations and promoting safer gambling, black market operators were preying on the vulnerable.
      “These unlicensed sites offer none of the safer gambling tools promoted by our members, they pay no tax and employ no one, they do not contribute a penny to sport or services tackling gambling harm.
      “Rather than dismissing the problem, the regulator and the Government need to tread extremely carefully and resist blanket intrusive affordability checks at low levels that push even more punters to these dangerous sites.”
      He praised the research by Yield Sec, a US-based licensed gaming marketplace.
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