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    Dramatic moment footballer’s kidnapped family are recovered by armed cops after he hid under bed from masked men

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    A FOOTBALLER’S family have been rescued by armed police after being kidnapped by masked men.The wife and five-year-old son of Jackson Rodriguez were kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday.Jackson Rodriguez’s family has been rescued from being kidnappedCredit: GettyThey were found by armed policeCredit: X @PoliciaEcuadorThe wife and son were taken on WednesdayCredit: X @PoliciaEcuadorThe Emelec star, 26, reported the kidnapping to the police after heavily armed individuals had entered his home in Mucho Lote 2 neighbourhood, Ecuador.It was claimed that he was terrified and hid under his bed as they went through his home.The masked men also stole jewellery and money from the footballer’s home after breaking down the door at 3am.They were rescued by police from El Fortin, Guayaquil, where they were held.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA video shared on social media showed the dramatic moment that gun-wielding cops saved the footballer’s family.It continues to show the police taking the victims out of the derelict spot where they were being held.The Ecuadorian police have now confirmed that Rodriguez’s family rescue was successful.It also revealed that the kidnappers were asking for a “large sum of money”.Most read in FootballA statement read: “Following the effective investigative and operational work of the Ecuadorian Police, we released Andrexy O. and his son, relatives of Jackson Rodríguez.”They were kidnapped in Mucho Lote, and their perpetrators were demanding a large sum of money for their release.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeRodriguez’s five-year-old son was takenCredit: Instagram @jackson_rodriguez20″They are in safekeeping.”Local media have also reported that the cops are protecting Rodriguez.It is also believed that he had not received any prior threats or warnings that he was being targeted.Full-back Rodriguez has played 9 times for Emelec this season.The club play in the LigaPro, the highest tier in the country, and currently sit 11th in the table.Kidnapping of footballers is not unheard of in Ecuador.Last December, Quito star Pedro Perlaza was kidnapped in the city of Esmeraldas.He was found alive a few days later.In January 2024, Chelsea paid for the protection of Kendry Paez and his family.The teenager was signed by the Blues from Independiente del Valle in 2023.But he can’t move to London until 2025 when he turns 18.And until the time comes, he will continue playing in Ecuador.But Chelsea are keen to ensure Paez and his family remain safe, and have reportedly offered full support to the whizkid.Read More on The SunThe West London outfit also made the same offer for star midfielder Moises Caicedo.His family still reside in Ecuador and the former Brighton ace has previously confessed his “worry” for them.Chelsea have reportedly started paying for the protection of teenage star Kendry PaezCredit: GettyMoises Caicedo has also had the same offerCredit: Getty More

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      Footballer hides under bed in terror as wife and son, 5, are kidnapped in horror ordeal

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      A TERRIFIED footballer hid under his bed while his wife and son were kidnapped in a horror house raid.Jackson Rodriguez, who plays for Emelec in Ecuador, has pleaded for the safe return of his family.Emele’s Jackson Rodriguez hid under the bed during a terrifying kidnappingCredit: GettyRodriguez’s five-year-old son was taken in the horrifying incidentCredit: Instagram @jackson_rodriguez20The incident occurred on Wednesday night in the coastal city of Guayaquil.Masked men raided Rodriguez’s home at 3am and broke down his front door. The 26-year-old defender said he hid under a bed as the men ransacked the property, located in the Mucho Lote 2 neighbourhood.Police chief Edison Rodriguez confirmed that the footballer’s wife and five-year-old son were taken during the terrifying raid.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey were snatched after asking if the Emelec star was at the residence, police confirmed.Rodriguez saw from a window “the individuals were travelling in a gray-colored double-cab pickup truck.”He hid under the bed and was able to evade capture.A state of emergency was declared last week by the Ecuadorian government in nine areas of the country.Most read in FootballThat includes the province of Guayas, where Guayaquil is situated.Organised crime groups have wreaked havoc across the country, with 2,345 violent deaths reported between January and March, per ESPN.Ten-man Venezuela accused of ‘world class s—housery’ as SPRINKLERS go off in stoppage time of Brazil drawRodriguez, a talented full-back, has played 9 times for Emelec this season.The club play in the LigaPro, the highest tier in the country, and currently sit 11th in the table. Kidnapping of footballers is not unheard of in Ecuador.Last December, Quito star Pedro Perlaza was kidnapped in the city of Esmeraldas.He was found alive a few days later. More

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      Boxing saved Lyndon Arthur from life of crime on gritty Manchester streets after brother was tragically shot dead

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      LYNDON ARTHUR was just 10 years old when his brother was brutally shot dead – but it proved to be an inspiration to his boxing career. Zennen Blackburn was gunned down in Moston – near Manchester’s city centre – in 2002 but still the murder is unsolved. Lyndon Arthur ahead of his fight with Anthony YardeCredit: GettyArthur’s brother Zennen Blackburn, pictured, was shot dead in 2002Credit: YouTubeHis murder is sadly still unsolvedIt left younger brother Arthur heartbroken and confused and heading down the wrong path in his teenage years. That was until his uncle Pat Barrett – a former British and European champion turned trainer – intervened and brought his nephew to the gym. Barrett told the BBC in 2020: “He was sat on the pavement where his brother was shot. “And I drove on the estate and picked him up and took him back to my house, had a talk with him, calmed him down and he stayed with me for a week or two. READ MORE IN BOXING”Then I remember taking him to the gym, it was just a weights gym and I saw that once he was doing something, he picked up on the training. “So I said, ‘Okay then I’m going to take you to the boxing gym now.’ I’m proud of him for how he’s changed his life.” Arthur, who held the Commonwealth title, admitted: “I’m an estate kid and I grew up doing estate things. “It would have been easy for me to be in jail, it could have been easy for me to be dead. So boxing has changed my life.” Most read in BoxingChris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the infoArthur now has a record of 24 wins and just two losses – coming against world champion Dmitry Bivol and Anthony Yarde. And he returns on Saturday on Chris Eubank and Conor Benn’s undercard at Tottenham’s stadium for a trilogy bout with Yarde. Arthur stunned his London rival in 2020 – before losing the rematch a year later – but he dedicated his shock victory at the time to brother Zennen. He said: “My brother, he died a few years ago, but he was here one million per cent.“My brother would have loved to have seen this, but he will be looking down now thinking, ‘Wow! That’s my little brother’.“I was 10 when he died and I could easily have gone the other way. I was never a gangster, but where we grew up it was full of people like that.“It would have been easy for me to go left. I’ve put a lot into boxing, 10 or 11 years now, I’m ranked in the world, I’ve just fought my second headline show and I want to be a world champion.”Arthur – who has a tattoo of his brother’s name on his arm – has a son of his own – Elellveay Van Arthur – who acts as another inspiration to his career. Uncle and coach Barrett said: “I’m proud of what he’s done with his life. “But the way boxing has turned his life around, it’s just that typical what you hear like the Mike Tyson story from the Bronx. Read More on The Sun”Lyndon Arthur’s story is no different from that and how he’s changed his life.” Arthur, now 33, added: “I’ve got a career that my mum would be proud of, my brother looking down would be proud of, anybody that I’ve lost around me would be proud of. My friends are proud of me.” Yarde and Arthur ahead of their trilogy fightCredit: GettyYarde won the 2021 rematch via fourth-round stoppageCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunArthur won the first fight in 2020 on pointsCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Man Utd star Jesse Lingard tells grandad’s sex abuse trial he’d ‘block daughter from seeing him if claims were true’

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      FOOTBALLER Jesse Lingard today told his grandad’s sex abuse trial that he would block his daughter from seeing him if the claims were true.The ex-Man Utd star is giving evidence after Kenneth Lingard, 86, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman from the age of five until she was 19.Jesse Lingard has given evidence at his grandad’s sex abuse trialCredit: PAKenneth Lingard allegedly assaulted a woman from the age of fiveCredit: PAShe reported the alleged historic abuse to the police after watching a Channel 4 documentary that featured Jesse.The England star, 32, had praised his grandfather’s influence on his career in the show.Jesse, who flew in from South Korea where plays for FC Seoul, told Liverpool Crown Court the woman contacted him after the documentary came out.He said: “She was just going on about the documentary and how I let him be part of it when he’s done those things.Read more news”I was like ‘what are you on about, I have not heard nothing about this’.”Jesse said the woman told him she was going to call the police – prompting him to tell her: “Call them if you want”.He told jurors she “popped out of nowhere” and that is was “kind of random”.Jesse also said he would have “cut ties” with his grandad straight away if he knew anything about the abuse allegations.Most read in FootballHe added: “My daughter wouldn’t be round there. My little sister wouldn’t be round there.”Jesse, who scored in FC Seoul’s 2-1 loss on Saturday against Gwangju, said the trial has caused a few of his sponsorship deals to fall through.He also told the court he had lived with his grandparents from the age of two or three and that Lingard was very supportive of his career.The footballer said: “He basically taught me football, taught all the skills, drove me up and down motorways from Liverpool to Manchester, Crewe, Barnsley, Stoke, to watch me play football.”He’s been the man that’s got me here today.”Jurors previously heard the woman messaged Jesse three times on November 18, 2022, after the show aired.In one text, she said: “Shame on you Jesse Lingard. Loads of lies. Your grandad Kenneth Lingard molested and sexually abused me and you know he did.”You did the documentary for money and to make yourself some kind of mental health ambassador. Well, as you say, I’m speaking out. No more silence.”In another, she referred Jesse hiding a “dark” secret that his grandfather was a “paedophile” and “child molester”.She also branded the former England star’s late grandmother Pamela an “enabler”.The woman claimed he had “no right doing that documentary” when his grandfather had “molested” her for years.Jurors also heard calls she made to police on the day Jesse Lingard — The Untold Story was aired.She asked officers how she could get someone “arrested for child abuse but historic child abuse?”The woman also told police she “thought it was time to speak out about the abuse I had received” after watching the show.She added: “It just made me feel ill that he was made out to be such a hero.”Read More on The SunLingard, of Warrington, has denied 17 counts of indecent assault.The trial continues.Lingard flew in from South Korea to give evidenceCredit: Getty More

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      Nicky Butt seen for the first time since accepting a police caution for head-butting a guard at his 50th party

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      NICKY Butt is pictured for the first time since accepting a police caution for head-butting a guard at his 50th party.The ex-England player was seen in Manchester, a day after we broke the story.Nicky Butt is pictured for the first time since accepting a police caution for head-butting a guard at his 50th partyCredit: ZenpixThe ex-England player was seen in Manchester, a day after we broke the storyCredit: ZenpixThe Sun revealed in January that the guard was treated for a suspected broken nose.He accepted the criminal sanction for actual bodily harm over the attack at Soho Farmhouse near Great Tew, Oxfordshire.The former Manchester United star also agreed to donate to charity.He had snapped and attacked the security guard during a seven-hour bash on January 24.Read More on FootballTrouble erupted between 7pm and 8pm after the ex-midfielder left the bar for a courtyard.The guard was said to have seen Butt relieving himself against a wall.A row developed and sources said Butt lashed out in a fury.The guard was treated in hospital for facial injuries amid fears of a broken nose.Most read in FootballA source said previously: “There was blood everywhere. People were shocked as the guard came inside with his face a mess. It ruined a lovely day.”The guard took time off work but later returned.Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th party at centre of police probe after ‘head-butt’ left security guard with ‘broken nose’Butt accepted a caution for actual bodily harm over the attack at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: Zenpix More

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      Ex-West Ham star Dimitri Payet beat me up & made me film sick sex acts, ex lover tells cops as ace faces police probe

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      FORMER West Ham star Dimitri Payet has been accused of “physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence” during a seven-month affair.Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari reported the married midfielder to police last month over claims he forced her to film degrading videos and assaulted her during a ­campaign of abuse.Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari accused the ex-West Ham ace of ‘physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence’Credit: NewsflashThe footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August using a fake profile, claims LarissaCredit: NewsflashLarissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises, which she also handed to policeThe Brazilian lawyer alleged that former French international Payet, 38, even made her take part in a fake wedding and wear a ring to “prove her love”.Last night police in Rio de Janeiro — where Payet now plays — confirmed they have opened an investigation into him.Speaking in Rio, mum-of-two Larissa told The Sun on Sunday: “He’s a sick monster. I was scared for my life, and I’m still scared.“I not only want justice but to also help other women who are blindly allowing their partners to abuse them.”Read more on Dimitri PayetPayet spent 18 months with West Ham before Marseille paid £25million for him in January 2017. He then moved to Rio in 2023 after signing for Vasco de Gama.The footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August. She claims that Payet, who has four children with wife Ludivine in France, used a fake profile. They then started messaging on WhatsApp.Larissa, who knew the star was married, flew 1,500 miles from her home in the state of Parana to meet him in Rio’s Windsor Hotel where his team were staying before a match.Asked for ‘weird things’She said: “He was very sweet and romantic. It was a very intense date and the following day I went to watch him play. He was so attentive and there was lots of hugging and kissing. I thought he seemed like a lovely man.”Most read in FootballAs the relationship grew, they started staying together for days at a time.Larissa said: “I opened up to him. I told him I had just come out of a relationship and that I was mentally fragile and he was very supportive. It felt like he was my shelter.”However Larissa said that in October he started to ask for “weird things” and told her to dress up as a bride.She said: “We had a fake wedding. He said it was an official moment of us entering into a real relationship.“He never mentioned his wife and I didn’t like to ask him about her. He asked me to buy a wedding ring to wear and told me that he would never leave me.”Larissa said she stopped dating other people and they acted as a “normal couple”. But in early December Larissa’s pal posted on social media a snap of two match tickets Payet had given them.Larissa claimed Payet became aggressive and screamed at her. She said: “This was the first time I saw this side of him.“He said he was the only person I could trust. He then told me he was going to punish me and would go to France for 30 days back to his family. He told me that when he came back I would be sexually punished as well.”Payet spent 18 months with Premier League side West HamCredit: PA:Press AssociationLarissa wearing bridal gear for ‘ceremony’When Payet returned to Rio in January, Larissa went to see him.She alleged he kicked her and beat her up and then had violent sex with her.Larissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises. She also handed them to police.She recalled: “Within seconds of me arriving at his house he said, ‘Now your punishment starts’.“I felt like I deserved it though, as he had manipulated me into believing that I needed to be punished for our relationship to continue. I was vulnerable and I didn’t want him to leave me.“I knew I was being hurt but I couldn’t stop it as it felt like a condition for us to stay together.”The next day Larissa said Payet “rewarded” her and sent a driver to take her to watch him play from a VIP box.He said that we already knew that I was a ‘whore’ and that I needed to prove to him with videos reflecting that.Larissa FerrariOn January 22 another footballer reached out to her on Instagram and they started messaging but Larissa insisted it was friendly and that she told Payet.Wiping tears from her eyes, Larissa went on: “He got really mad and started calling me a ‘bitch’. He said that I was cheating on him.“He told me that I had seven days to prove that I really loved him. I didn’t know what to do to prove to him. I said I would get a tattoo of his name but he said that wasn’t enough.“He said he wasn’t with me as he was in Rio and I was home so I needed to punish myself as he wasn’t here to do it.“He said that we already knew that I was a ‘whore’ and that I needed to prove to him with videos reflecting that.”In text messages seen by The Sun on Sunday, Payet asked for “humiliating” sexual videos of Larissa. WhatsApp messages also show Payet asking for “disgusting acts” to prove her love.Payet and his wife Ludivine, a mum of fourCredit: AFPLarrisa claims Payet made her wear a wedding ringLarissa said that she sent shocking videos to Payet of her deg­rading herself as she was desperate for his approval and “really loved him”.She added: “They were really horrible things like putting my head in the toilet. He seemed happy at first that I had sent the videos he wanted, but then he kept asking for more.”Larissa said she rented an apartment in Rio in February to be close to him, only for him to leave her bruised once more.She said: “He said I was a ‘slag’ because I’m a Brazilian woman. What scared me was that I started to believe that I deserved it all.“None of my family or friends knew what was happening.”Pictures seen by The Sun on Sunday and police show bruises on Larissa’s buttocks, legs and arms.She finally gained the courage to end the relationship last month after attending therapy following a panic attack.Larissa said: “I was emotionally fragile and he knew that, which was how he was able to manipulate me so that he could do whatever he wanted with me.“I paid for every plane ticket and every stay to go and see him.“One week I had to take a bus instead of a plane and, as I was longer than he wanted me to be, he started abusing me on the phone.When I stepped off the bus in Rio I just collapsed and had a panic attack.Something in me snapped and I started having therapy which helped me realise that I didn’t deserve this.Larissa Ferrari“I got on the first plane back to my home city without seeing him.“Something in me snapped and I started having therapy which helped me realise that I didn’t deserve this.”Larissa said Payet’s behaviour changed and that he became “very sweet” and even asked her to live with him.She added: “I felt I had to try to protect myself. I went to a newspaper in Brazil to tell them about us — but at this point I didn’t mention the abuse as I wanted to go to the police first.”News broke of their alleged affair on March 22 and one week later Larissa contacted the police.Documents seen by The Sun on Sunday show she made an online report claiming she suffered “physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence”.According to the official report, Larissa’s lawyer said she was “assaulted by Dimitri Payet, which left marks on her body”.On March 30, Larissa filed an additional police report in Parana at a station specialising in assisting women requesting “emergency protective measures” against Payet.A forensic and psychological examination was carried out and police opened an investigation into her claims on March 30.Read More on The SunDefiant Larissa said: “I want to teach women the signals that sometimes we don’t see — especially if you’re a young girl falling for a powerful rich man.” Payet was approached for comment.Domestic abuse – how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak toThreats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:Remember, you are not alone.1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. More

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      Man Utd legend Nicky Butt cautioned for head-butting security guard at his 50th birthday party with other football stars

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      EX-England and Manchester United star Nicky Butt has been given a police caution for head-butting a security guard at his own 50th party.The Sun revealed in January that the guard was treated for a suspected broken nose — and can today name Butt for the first time.Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has been cautioned for head-butting a security guard at his 50th birthday partyCredit: PAButt helped United win a host of trophies under manager Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe accepted the criminal sanction for actual bodily harm over the attack at Soho Farmhouse near Great Tew, Oxfordshire.The former Manchester United star also agreed to donate to charity.He had snapped and attacked the security guard during a seven-hour bash on January 24.Today we can reveal bar staff refused to serve him any drinks shortly before the incident.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrouble erupted between 7pm and 8pm after the ex-midfielder left the bar for a courtyard.The guard was said to have seen Butt relieving himself against a wall.A row developed and sources said Butt lashed out in a fury.The guard was treated in hospital for facial injuries amid fears of a broken nose.Most read in FootballA source said previously: “There was blood everywhere. People were shocked as the guard came inside with his face a mess. It ruined a lovely day.”The guard took time off work but later returned.Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th party at centre of police probe after ‘head-butt’ left security guard with ‘broken nose’Butt was first quizzed six days after the assault.The Sun understands he accepted the caution within the last month.Police retain the details and flag them in criminal record checks.A caution can only be given if the perpetrator admits the offence.Thames Valley Police confirmed: “The investigation has now concluded. A man was given a caution for the offence of ABH.”Butt had turned 50 three days before the party.Guests included David and Victoria Beckham, and fellow United Class of ’92 stars Paul Scholes and Gary Neville and their partners.The group of around 30 guests dined in a private room before moving to the bar.Former teammate David Beckham attended the do at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: PAMan Utd’s Paul Scholes was another of the Class of ’92 to attend the bashCredit: AlamyPundit Gary Neville was in attendance at the partyCredit: GettyPolice were then alerted by the club at 9.15pm — around two hours after the assault.Butt helped United win a host of trophies under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.He won 39 England caps from 1997-2004 and played for Newcastle before finishing his playing career in China in 2011.Butt had been CEO of League Two Salford until quitting last year.In 2019 he was charged with assault on ex-wife Shelley.The CPS later dropped the case owing to insufficient evidence.However, Butt was given a caution for causing £800-worth of criminal damage to her iPhone.Last June he got a year’s road ban and 100 hours’ unpaid work after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving.Read More on The SunHis Land Rover collided with motorcyclist Andrew Fielding in Burnley, leaving the biker needing metal rods in a broken leg.His Land Rover collided with motorcyclist Andrew Fielding in Burnley, leaving the biker needing metal rods in a broken leg.The incident occurred at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: soho farmhouse More

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      Ex-Premier League star’s son jailed for leaving cop, 67, with bleed on the brain after punching her 33 times in hospital

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      A FORMER Premier League’s star son has been jailed after punching a retired female cop 33 times in a savage attack at a hospital.Joni Hartson – son of Arsenal, Celtic and Wales player-turned-pundit John Hartson – lured fellow patient Dawn Lloyd, 67, into a garden.Joni Hartson has been jailed for attacking a retired detectiveCredit: WNSThe thug is the son of former Premier League star John HartsonCredit: The SunThe 22-year-old then launched into the terrifying attack – punching her 33 times as she desperately tried to defend herself.Chillingly, Hartson told police he targeted Dawn – a former Royal protection officer – because her age made her an “easy target”.He later admitted: “I wish I had killed her.”Hartson also attacked a healthcare worker days later by punching his arm when he was moved to a hospital in Carmarthen.The brute has now been jailed for two years and six months after pleading guilty to GBH and assault of an emergency worker.Cardiff Crown Court heard Hartson, who has autism, was a patient at Bryngofal Ward in the Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, South Wales.He had not been sectioned at the time of the attack on October 18 last year but was being treated for suicidal thoughts.Shocking CCTV showed Hartson battering Dawn – a former detective who had served for 17 years in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.Most read in FootballShe was left with a bleed on the brain following the horror and is now unable to form coherent sentences.But the court was told Dawn, who was suffering from confusion due to an autoimmune condition when she was attacked, is able to say: “He’s not going to hit me again.”Her sister Hannah Cox said in a victim impact statement how Dawn worked with the Royal protection team and later went on to be an office manager for on the Queen’s Jubilee.She added: “Dawn served diligently and with compassion.”But Hannah said her sister has since become anxious and worried and is scared of loud noises – including doors slamming.Owen Williams, defending, said Hartson was depressed with suicidal thoughts when he carried out the violent assault.He also said the thug was suffering from “possible hallucinations which were commanding in nature” – although no psychosis diagnosis has been given.Sentencing, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke called the attack “planned and premeditated”.She added: “You selected Miss Lloyd because you could see that she was vulnerable.”You used those vulnerabilities to select her as a target. You deliberately chose someone who would quite obviously be unable to resist.”Hartson was signed as a teenager by Swansea City, with his dad previously expressing his pride at the footballer’s hat-trick against Liverpool’s youth team.John Hartson began his career at Luton in 1992 before joining Arsenal three years later for £2.5million – a record for a teen player at the time.The striker played for the club 53 times – scoring 14 goals – before he left in 1997 to join West Ham.In 1999, John became Wimbledon’s most expensive signing ever when he signed a £7.5million contract.His time at the club didn’t last long though and after a stint at Coventry, John moved to Celtic in 2001 in a £6million transfer.Read More on The SunHe played for the team 146 times and scored 88 goals before moving make to England in 2006 to join West Brom.Hartson eventually hung up his boots in 2007 after gaining 51 caps for Wales.Hartson has been jailed for two yearsCredit: WNSJohn Hartson previously gushed about his son when he played for Swansea’s academy teamJohn played for ArsenalCredit: GettyHe also made 146 appearances for CelticCredit: Getty More

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      Jesse Lingard ‘refused to give police statement’ during investigation into sexual abuse by his grandad

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      FORMER England star Jesse Lingard refused to give police a witness statement during their investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by his grandad, a court heard yesterday.The footballer, 32, now based in South Korea, was contacted over claims that Kenneth Lingard, 86, had targeted his alleged victim over 15 years, starting when she was just five.Investigating officer DC Scott Chambers told jurors ex-Man United star Lingard and his mum had both declined to give a statement.Kenneth, of Warrington, Cheshire, denies 17 counts of indecent assault between 1970 and 1985.His alleged victim came forward after watching a Channel 4 documentary about Jesse’s rise to stardom.The woman, who is now 60, said that she reported the OAP to cops because the documentary portrayed him as “some kind of hero” and that Lingard had told “loads of lies”.READ MORE ON Jesse Lingard The court heard from the complainant’s second husband yesterday, who said that he had gone to see Kenneth over the allegations in the mid 1990’s.He told the jury: “I confronted him about it – the abuse.“I remember him looking me straight in the eye and saying that he didn’t do it.”The man, who divorced the complainant after eleven years of marriage, said that she had taken an overdose during their relationship and had been treated in hospital.Most read in FootballThe jury was told that Kenneth voluntarily gave a police interview in January 2023 – two months after the documentary aired – and dismissed the allegations.He said: “None of it happened.Jesse Lingard reels off FIVE different celebrations after ex-Man Utd star scores bizarre goal in South Korea” My grandson cannot believe what she is saying.”The trial continues.Jesse Lingard refused to give police a statement during an investigation into his grandadCredit: Reuters More