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      Rangers star hit speeds of 100mph in motorway police chase where he tailgated cop car

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      RANGERS star Rabbi Matondo hit speeds of over 100mph as cops chased him to Ibrox — after he had tailgated their unmarked motor.The Welsh winger, 24, also weaved in and out of traffic on Glasgow’s M8 and ran a red light as he rushed to training.Rabbi Matondo was slapped with a driving banMatondo was driving an Audi Q8 at the timeCredit: GettyHe was clocked on the M8He was hit with a year’s road ban and fined after being convicted of dangerous driving.But cops didn’t try to keep up with Rangers ace Rabbi Matondo’s car during a 100mph dash to Ibrox — in case he lost control and killed someone, a court heard.A traffic constable told how he feared “a fatality” if he tried to match the high speeds hit by the winger, 24, as he raced to a public training session.Officers finally caught up with the footie ace at the Rangers stadium, where they marched in through the players’ entrance to charge him with dangerous driving.And the Welsh international was hit with a 12-month driving ban after being convicted of the offence at Glasgow Sheriff Court.PC James Bowie told how he was with a colleague in an unmarked police motor on the M8 when they were tailgated by Matondo’s Audi Q8 on the city’s Kingston Bridge.Dashcam footage showed the powerful SUV speeding off, sparking a pursuit on August 1, 2023. The Light Blues forward was then seen undertaking an HGV and running a red light as he left the cops in his wake.Most read in FootballPC Bowie said they “never went anywhere near” his car despite reaching 80mph.He explained: “I knew it was a nice big Audi Q8. But I thought that if he loses control at 100 miles per hour there is a possibility of a fatality.”Former Sky Sports pundit and Rangers striker Andy Gray’s foul-mouthed rant at Jose MourinhoWhen the officers eventually got to interview Matondo, they said he was “remorseful”.Defence lawyer Ronnie Simpson said the officers’ report stated the player’s average speed was 72mph on a 50mph stretch.PC Bowie replied: “That’s an average between distances.“In among that the speed was in excess of 100mph.”He was also asked why he charged Matondo with dangerous driving rather than hand him a fixed penalty notice.PC Bowie said there were “other elements” to his driving, and it was a “course of conduct”.The cop added: “In my opinion, he seemed remorseful and his attitude was pretty good.“He understood what we were explaining and seemed to accept why we were there.”Mr Simpson said: “He was a young man running late to his work — and he didn’t want to let his colleagues down.”But Sheriff Mary Shields found Matondo — currently on loan at German side Hannover 96 — guilty of dangerous driving.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe first offender was handed a year’s road ban and £420 fine.The law chief said: “I think overwhelmingly the way in which Mr Matondo drove the Audi car over the distance shown on CCTV is obviously far below what is expected of a driver.”Matondo at Glasgow Sheriff Court where he given a 12 month ban and fined £420Credit: Spindrift More

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      Ex-Championship striker facing jail time after raping woman he met on night out while she slept in Airbnb

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      A FORMER Championship striker is facing jail after he was convicted of raping a drunk woman in her bed while she slept at an Airbnb.Oluwasanmi Odelusi, known as Sanmi, retired from the game in 2020 due to injury after playing for clubs including Bolton Wanderers, MK Dons and Coventry City.Former pro-footballer Sanmi Odelusi is facing jail after being convicted of rapeCredit: LinkedinSanmi Odelusi in action for Wigan Athletic back in 2015Credit: GettyThe former pro, 31, announced the retirement to his 11,000 followers on Instagram and now helps youngsters get into the sport and is a “devout Christian” and church usher.Prosecuting, Charles Evans said the victim, then 27, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was visiting London from the USA with two female friends.The woman had come with her pal for a week to celebrate Thanksgiving in November 2021 when she was raped, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard. Mr Evans said: “They stayed in an Airbnb flat with three bedrooms in Shoreditch, east London, and on the evening of Friday November 26 decided to go clubbing.Read More in Football”The complainant had a friend in London she wanted to meet so they all went to Reign nightclub in Piccadilly.”Mr Evans said the victim and her friends were drinking quite heavily.He said: “The complainant couldn’t remember how many shots of tequila she had but says that she did have quite a few.”They then went to the club in Piccadilly, arriving there some time after midnight. More alcohol was consumed and the complainant was feeling drunk but not to the point of blacking out.”Most read in FootballInside the club one of the victim’s friends kissed Ryan Sellers, a footballer friend of Odelusi’s and when it was time to leave the club, the two men were invited back to the Airbnb with the three women, arriving there at 4am or 5am.The victim said her memory “let her down a little” due to the alcohol and she did “not recall much of the taxi ride home,” but she could clearly remember the subsequent rape.Mr Sellers went into one of the girl’s rooms and Odelusi first went into the victim’s, but she explained she was not interested, and he was, instead, welcomed into her other friend’s bed, the court heard.Odelusi had consensual sex with the friend, but after a while she asked him to stop, which he did, the court heard.He then went into the victim’s room and raped her at about 6am, the court heard.She awoke and realised someone was having sex with her, but she was unable to speak.Odelusi then returned to the friend’s room, while the victim went back to sleep, the court heard.HORROR ATTACKOdelusi and Mr Sellers later then left the flat, the court heard.Mr Evans said the victim awoke at 11am and felt confused.She only told another female friend about the rape, when she met her in Stratford, later the same day, the court was told.The friend urged her to report it to police, but she was scared she might not be able to identify her attacker, even though she knew he was black, Mr Evans said.At about 12:50am on November 28 police received a call from friends of the complainant, to report the offence, as she was too upset.The three women were due to leave the country later that day.One of her friends had a video interview with police before they left, but the victim later was interviewed by Met Police officers who travelled to Beverly Hills police station.The interview was video recorded on April 19 2022.The CPS used a new system in the trial whereby the video of the victim’s interview was played and the witness did not have to give live evidence.Odelusi was identified from CCTV at the club and from a photograph one of the girls had taken on the night.DNA MATCHOdelusi was invited to attend a voluntary on November 29, and made no comment. His DNA was later matched to semen traces.Mr Evans said: “A sleeping person cannot give consent. It is that simple.”It is not the Crown’s case that the complainant was toointoxicated to consent, but it is the Crown’s case that her intoxication certainly contributed to the circumstances whereby the defendant was able to rape the sleeping complainant.”Odelusi, vehemently denied this, and insisted she was awake and had consented before anything happened.Defending Claire Cooper, told the court the victim had shown interest in Odelusi in the taxi and had shown him her Instagram account and he complimented her pictures, but they “did not add each other.”She said: “He was shocked and surprised when he was asked to attend the police station. “He cooperated with the police. He was not been proud of himself after sleeping with both women, but his actions were not of someone who was guilty of rape.”She said the sex had been consensual with both women and he had initially stayed at the flat after both encounters.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe jury found him guilty by a ten to two majority verdict. Odelusi was released on conditional bail ahead of sentence in May.Sanmi Odelusi of Blackpool back in 2017Credit: Getty More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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