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      Benjamin Mendy told woman ‘don’t worry, are you scared?’ before ‘trying to rape her when she came out of the shower’

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      BENJAMIN Mendy asked one of his alleged victims “are you scared?” before he tried to rape her when she got out of the shower, a court heard.The woman, referred to in court as Woman One, was allegedly targeted by the Man City star at a gathering in his mansion.
      Benjamin Mendy is facing a retrial for rape and attempted rapeCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      She claims Mendy, 28, attempted to rape her after he followed her into the bathroom, jurors heard.
      The court was told she repeatedly told the France international to “stop” in French as he held her down.
      He then told her: “Don’t worry. Are you scared?”
      The woman later messaged a pal, saying: “I just got sexually abused, if that’s the right word, by Mendy.”
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      She also claimed the footballer “wouldn’t let me go” in the text in October 2018.
      Mendy is accused of one count of rape and one count of attempted rape against two women.
      Chester Crown Court heard yesterday how the French international was previously found not guilty on other charges following a trial.
      The retrial was told how Mendy attempted to rape Woman One after he followed her into the bathroom at his home while she showered.
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      She claimed she was “left in shock” as she saw a “figure at the door” and realised the footballer was stood “aroused” in his boxers.
      The woman said she put a towel around herself and was attempting to put on her underwear when Mendy told her: “You don’t have to be scared”.
      Jurors heard he tried to rape her as she repeatedly asked him to stop before leaving the room.
      The woman later said: “I was confused. Like, do people in his house know what’s happening? Would it make any difference if I’d said anything?
      “I mean, they’re his friends, it’s his territory, I didn’t scream, because I didn’t understand what was going on. I’m not really a screamer anyway, so I just tried to struggle my way out of it.”
      The court was told she had met Mendy and a pal, who she had consensual sex with, in Europe at a nightclub.
      They later arranged to meet up in Manchester in October 2018 where she went to a restaurant and bar with Mendy and the friend.
      While at the second venue, the footballer allegedly came up behind the woman and told her: “When he’s not looking, I’m gonna kidnap you.”
      Jurors also heard how Woman Two was “forcefully” raped by Mendy in October 2022 after they met at a bar.
      She had been invited back to his home along with her friends, where they were later asked to hand over their mobiles, it was said.
      Woman Two later followed the star into a bedroom where the doors were locked behind her with an internal locking system, it is alleged.
      Jurors heard Mendy told her he would hand her phone back if he could see her naked, causing the complainant to tell him: “I do not want to have sex with you”.
      He allegedly added: “If you just take off your clothes. I just wanna have a look at you. I promise you I won’t touch you.
      “I just wanna see what you look like. I wanna see your body. I wanna see your t***. Your t*** are so big.”
      She then claims he raped her as she struggled against him and told him no.
      Mendy is accused of calling the woman “too shy” as he claimed: “I’ve had sex with 10,000 women”.
      The retrial comes after Mendy was listed as being released by City on the Premier League website.
      The Premier League champions haven’t published their own list yet but the left-back’s contract expires at the end of this month.
      City spent a reported £49.2million signing Mendy from French side Monaco in 2017.
      He last played for the club on August 15, 2021, during their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham at the start of last season.
      In September 2020, City boss Pep Guardiola revealed Mendy would be out of the game for at least a month due to an injury.
      He was later suspended pending an investigation after being charged.
      Mendy denies one count of rape and one of attempted rape.
      Read More On The Sun
      The trial continues.
      Mendy denies rape and attempted rapeCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      He was suspended by City following the chargeCredit: PA More

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      Man United star Antony quizzed by cops over claims he assaulted his ex-girlfriend but vows to clear his name

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      MANCHESTER United star Antony has denied assaulting his ex-girlfriend and vowed to clear his name after being quizzed by cops in Brazil.He posted a statement to fans on Instagram, three weeks after DJ and influencer Gabriela Cavallin went to cops alleging the £86million forward attacked her in São Paulo and Manchester.
      Manchester United’s Antony has been accused of domestic assaultCredit: AFP
      Gabriela Cavallin filed a police report in BrazilCredit: Social Media
      Gabriela accused Antony of assaulting her four times in a complaint to police in São Paulo.
      In his statement, Antony explained he remained silent until after giving his statement to cops.
      The footballer added he is certain that his innocence will be proven and the damage made to his image “will remain in the past.”
      He wrote: “To friends, fans, and followers,
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      “For your sake, after giving my statement at the police station where the investigation involving my name is being conducted, I would like to speak publicly for the first time since I was falsely accused of assault.
      “I remained silent until this moment so that nothing could interfere with the investigative process, but during all these days my family and I suffered in silence.
      “Even though I was born and raised in a very underprivileged community, I had never been through a situation similar to this one, in which a false accusation of assault generated a prior and unfair public judgement by some people.
      “After the investigation is closed, my innocence will be proven, it being certain that justice will prevail and the damage initially caused to my image will remain in the past.
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      “Thank you for the countless messages of support received during this very difficult time.”
      Officers in the Brazilian city opened a probe for domestic violence, threats and bodily injury, reports Brazil’s largest broadcaster Globo.
      Gabriela, 23, is said to have handed over pictures of alleged injuries at a police station in the São Paulo earlier this month.
      A total of four alleged attacks are described in a police report seen by respected sports news site ESPN.
      She says she dated Brazil World Cup ace Antony, also 23, on and off for two years and lived with him in Amsterdam while he played for Ajax.
      She claims the first assault came at a nightclub in São Paulo last July when she was around 17 weeks pregnant with his baby.
      Antony allegedly dragged her out by the arm and hair then pushed her into a car after she ended their romance.
      Gabriela told cops they got back together soon after and she moved with him to Manchester after his transfer to the Red Devils.
      A second alleged attack came at Gabriela’s flat in January.
      The “jealous” star is alleged to have left her needing surgery to fix displaced silicone boob implants.
      Two more alleged assaults followed in England – one witnessed by her friend and Antony’s mother.
      Gabriela also said Antony threatened her after she returned to Brazil last month.
      She has requested “urgent protective measures” against Antony, according to Brazilian media.
      A spokesman for Manchester United said the club does not have any comment.
      The Sun has also contacted Greater Manchester Police and Sao Paulo police for comment.
      The couple’s romance was first made public last year.
      In July, Gabriela shared on social media that she had suffered a miscarriage.
      The baby boy would have have been named Luca Mateo.
      Read More On The Sun
      Antony, born in Osasco, in the outskirts of São Paulo, made his big move to Ajax in 2020.
      Last year, he was sold to Manchester United and played for the Brazil national team in World Cup in Qatar.
      The 23-year-old DJ and influencer says she dated the footballer on and off for two yearsCredit: Social Media
      She moved with him to the UK after his transfer last yearCredit: Social Media
      Man United striker Antony has vowed to prove his innocenceCredit: Getty More

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      Argentina World Cup star Claudio Caniggia accused of sexually assaulting his ex-wife

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      EX-RANGERS star Claudio Caniggia has been prosecuted for “aggravated sexual abuse” following accusations made by his ex-wife.Former partner, Mariana Nannis, accused the Argentina striker of “beating and threatening to kill her” in a hotel room in 2018.
      Caniggia helped the Rangers win an SPL title, two Scottish Cups and two League CupsCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Ex-Rangers star Claudio Caniggia has been accused of aggravated sexual assaultCredit: EPA
      Mariana Nannis showed leg bruises from the alleged crimeCredit: Nosotros a la mañana
      Mariana was married to the player for 31 years, and they have three children togetherCredit: Social Media
      Caniggia, 56, was prosecuted on Monday without pretrial detention, Argentine newspaper Clarín reports.
      Authorities established that Caniggia “should refrain from maintaining any kind of contact with the complainant, Mariana Belén Solange Nannis Silles, be it in person, telephone, text messages, social networks, emails or WhatsApp, instant messengers or an intermediary person.”
      He will also have to “inform and prove, more than five business days in advance, when he will leave the national territory of the Argentine Republic, expressly indicating the destination to which he will go and the time that he will remain present in foreign territory.”
      Authorities have also issued an embargo on the footballer’s assets for £15,400 – or five million Argentine pesos.
      Read more on football
      It was established that this amount must be deposited in the country’s public bank, Banco Ciudad, “at the disposal of this judicial headquarters within the term of three days of notification of this order.”
      Caniggia was married to Mariana for 31 years, and they have three children together.
      The couple split in 2019 after he got together with model Sofia Bonelli – who he wed that year.
      Mariana filed her complaint to the prosecutor’s office of Dr Carlos Velarde in February 2020.
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      After months of investigation, it was determined that the alleged crime happened in the early hours of May 5, 2018, after the couple left a wedding party in Buenos Aires and headed to Residencias del Hotel Faena, also in the Argentine capital.
      According to the file, Caniggia tried to have sexual relations with his then wife, but when she refused, he threatened to kill her, Clarin reported.
      He then “failed to punch her in the face as she covered herself with her hands, but then hit her in the arms and hands,” according to Mariana’s account, who claimed that she was sexually abused after the assault.
      The ex-wife’s complaint also mentioned that Caniggia’s alleged violence “affected her and the couple’s children, as well as some aspects of family privacy.”
      In March last year, the World Cup star appeared in court after being accused of rape.
      However, Judge Pablo Ormaechea ruled that there was not enough evidence to make a decision, and had asked the prosecution to continue investigating.
      The player is now no longer being accused of rape, but instead, he is being prosecuted for aggravated sexual abuse.
      In Argentine law, both aggravated sexual abuse and rape are serious offences, but they are defined and treated differently.
      Aggravated sexual abuse refers to any sexual act without consent, involving violence, threats, or abuse of authority.
      It can also include situations where the victim is unable to give consent due to factors such as age or disability.
      On the other hand, rape, known as “abuso sexual con acceso carnal” in Argentina, specifically involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration.
      It typically carries more severe penalties compared to aggravated sexual abuse.
      Caniggia helped the Rangers win an SPL title, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups after a 2001 move from Dundee.
      He scored seven goals in 21 Dundee appearances following his 2000 arrival from Atalanta.
      Read More On The Sun
      The striker also played for River Plate, Hellas Verona, Roma, Benfica, Boca Juniors and Qatar SC.
      Last week, the ex-footballer attended the opening of Legends: The Home of Football museum, in Madrid, Spain.
      Mariana filed her complaint in February 2020Credit: YouTube/Susana
      Last year, the Argentina World Cup star appeared in court after being accused of rapeCredit: AFP
      Caniggia (pictured left) with fellow Argentine Diego MaradonaCredit: Reuters More

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      Watford FC physio Phil Edwards ‘carried out horrifying sex attacks on 29 teen boys at club’, report claims

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      A WATFORD FC physio sexually abused 29 teenage boys while working at the club, a report has found.The Championship side investigated allegations against Phil Edwards, who is thought to have killed himself in 2019 while facing claims he had assaulted a boy.
      Watford’s investigation found 29 potential victims of football physio Phil EdwardsCredit: Getty
      Paedophile physio Edwards is believed to have killed himself in June 2019Credit: UPPA/Photoshot
      It has now been revealed that as many as 29 potential victims were contacted by Watford, as well as six members of staff.
      The inquiry heard how Edwards was known to some at the Hertfordshire club as “Paedo Phil” and “Feel me up Phil”.
      Some 18 of the survivors provided signed accounts of their alleged abuse by Edwards when they were aged between 13 and 15.
      Edwards was arrested in June 2019 on suspicion of sexual activity with a child at his Woodside physiotherapy clinic in Watford.
      Read More On Football Abuse Scandal
      A fortnight later the 60-year-old was found dead at the home where he lived alone, with police suggesting he killed himself.
      Another 18 police complaints were filed against him for alleged child sexual offences between 1998 and 2019.
      Edwards is believed to have abused players at Watford’s Vicarage Road ground as well as his private clinic and his home in the 1980s and 1990s.
      The details have been revealed in a newly-published addition to Clive Sheldon KC’s independent report into child sexual abuse in football.
      Most read in Football
      Some of the assaults are alleged to have happened at Watford’s Vicarage Road groundCredit: Getty
      The inquiry found English football did not do enough to protect children from predatory coaches from 1970 to 2005, cataloguing failings by eight clubs – including Chelsea and Manchester City – to act on concerns.
      Watford has now apologised to all victims they contacted, today’s addendum to the report says.
      Survivors told of Edwards carrying out unnecessary groin examinations, ordering them to strip naked and squat before he lay alongside them, given boys alcohol and showed them pornography, as well as encouraging them to “perform sexual acts”.
      Some also described how “Edwards appeared to enjoy inflicting pain on them and laughed or shouted at them if they cried”.
      Watford said they could find no payroll record nor personnel file to “show that Edwards was ever employed” by them, though acknowledged he provided physiotherapy services there and held “a position of influence and access within the club”.
      They also said the former members of staff they contacted “all denied any knowledge of the alleged abuse by Edwards”.
      One survivor alleged that club legend and former England manager Graham Taylor was told of the accusations against Edwards while he was Watford boss but “nothing was done”.
      Two members of staff who allegedly witnessed the conversation have denied doing so and Mr Sheldon accepted Watford’s insistence there was “no corroborating evidence to support that any staff member knew that the alleged abuse by Edwards was taking place”.
      He also highlighted the importance of Taylor, who died aged 72 in January 2017, being unable to contribute to the investigation.
      Lawyers representing the club reached out-of-court settlements in January with five former youth team players who said Edwards sexually abused them.
      In a statement, Watford said: “As a club, Watford FC wishes to apologise to all young people who experienced the behaviour perpetrated by the late Phil Edwards, while holding a position of influence and access within the club.
      “We thank the survivors for their courage and dignity in all of their dealings with Watford FC, their patience also which allowed us to both conduct a thorough internal investigation and work with Clive Sheldon KC and his team with regards to their own independent findings.
      “We are doing, and will continue to do, everything we can to ensure that the boys, girls, men and women who play for this club – and indeed anyone who works for or with the club – will not have to endure the experiences these young people did.
      “Watford FC will continue to champion best practice in relation to the safeguarding and welfare of the people in its charge.
      “Further, the input and observations of survivors, based on their experiences, will always be welcome in the future.
      “Support remains available for anyone who believes it would be beneficial to them.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with allegations about former youth coach Barry Bennell, who is now serving a 34-year prison sentence for sex offences against young boys.
      Among the ex-players who came forward to reveal they had been abused by Bennell when youngsters were former Bury and Sheffield United footballer Andy Woodward, the first to speak out, and then ex-England, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool star Paul Stewart.
      Former Chelsea youth player Bennell worked for Crewe Alexandra in the 1980s and 1990s and also had links with Manchester City and Stoke City.
      The FA said in today’s statement: “We continue to offer support to anyone who has been impacted by non-recent child sexual abuse in football.
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      “If anyone is ready to come forward at this time, they can do so without waiving their anonymity and there is support in place if they want to access it.
      “Abuse can be reported via the NSPCC Helpline on 0800 023 2642 or the police.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with accusations against serial offender Barry Bennell, now serving a 34-year jail term for abusing young boysCredit: PA More

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      Inside tragic downfall of ex-Premier League star who went from millions to Universal Credit & court rows

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      AN EX-PREMIER League star has gone from earning millions to claiming benefits and fighting court battles.Marcus Bent, 45, enjoyed a stellar career with spells at Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Wolves and represented England at U21 level.
      Marcus Bent celebrates scoring for Everton against Southampton in 2005Credit: Getty
      Bent arriving at Guildford Crown Court in February 2016Credit: Simon Jones – The Sun
      The London-born striker notched more than 100 goals across 14 different clubs, before falling out of the professional game in 2012.
      He attempted to make a comeback with non-league sides Wick, based in Sussex, and Suffolk-based Cornard United, but his life deteriorated as he moved away from full-time football.
      Last week, Bent fought off bankruptcy trustees who tried for four years to seize a London property.
      London’s specialist Insolvency and Companies Court heard he owned the house and should hand it over to help pay off debts.
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      But Bent said the property belonged to his 19-year-old daughter after he purchased it for her in 2006 and intended for it to be held in a trust.
      Judge Clive Jones ruled in his favour, but told the court Bent’s estimated debt following bankruptcy proceedings brought by tax officials was “a couple of million”.
      It is a fall from grace from the £20,000 a week he earned at the height of his football career, amassing £10m in total.
      Bent turned to alcohol and drugs following his retirement, being hit with a conviction for drink driving and a suspended sentence when he called police to his home while under the influence of cocaine.
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      Struggling with managing his finances, Bent was also forced to claim Universal Credit benefits.
      The revelation emerged as he was banned from the road after admitting drink driving in February last year.
      Bent was caught behind the wheel while nearly four times the limit while driving his grey BMW X5 three-litre diesel on the A3 at Tibbet’s Corner in south-west London.
      He was disqualified from driving for 32 months following a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.
      A probation officer blamed his split from his ex-girlfriend, mental health issues and bankruptcy.
      Bent’s lawyer Scott Ewing also told the court the ex-footballer was “remorseful” while outlining his financial woes.
      Mr Ewing told the court: “He is not working at the moment, but does some football match commentary and recently was on Universal Credit.
      Bent received the Premier League player of the month award in February 2002Credit: Getty
      Bent was banned from driving following a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates’ CourtCredit: Square Mile News
      “He has no income, save for a £20,000 return on an investment, and says he had depression that led to drug and alcohol issues in the past.”
      The lawyer also described how football had been a “comfort blanket” for Bent, who struggled with going from a “high-profile, successful career to nothing”.
      He added: “Unfortunately sycophants and leeches provided unregulated investment advice.
      “He has now hit rock bottom, from where he’s looking up and there’s only one direction to go and that’s to give advice to others so they don’t fall into the same traps.
      “It is a pity it has taken something like this for Mr Bent to get the assistance he needs.”
      The troubled former footballer received a suspended prison sentence after a conviction for possession of cocaine and affray following an incident in which he was Tasered by police at his home in Esher, Surrey, in September 2015.
      Bent called police from his bathroom fearing for his left shortly after 9.30pm.
      He believed someone was inside his apartment and three officers arrived 16 minutes later.
      A battering ram was used to break down the door, but officers when then faced with a topless Bent holding a meat cleaver and knife in either hand.
      Bent told The Athletic: “I was paranoid. I was hallucinating. I felt there were people in my house. I remember thinking the door handle was moving.
      “I called the police and I picked up something to defend myself. When the police came, I went to the door with these knives.
      “If I think back, obviously I should have put the knives down but I wasn’t in a good way. So, of course, they were terrified — someone who’s on drugs, someone who’s paranoid, with two knives.
      “They tasered me and I think you know the rest. But I remember going into the police station and actually feeling secure and safe. ‘I’m locked up now. No one can get me’.
      “That’s how my mind was at that time. Then, the next morning, there was talk of me being charged with attempted murder. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
      “At no point was I ever going to take someone’s life. I called them because I was hallucinating, paranoid, terrified.”
      Bent was given a 12-month suspended prison sentence for admitting affray and possession of cocaine in February 2016.
      He found himself back in trouble with police when he was arrested at Chessington World of Adventures in June later the same year and charged with cocaine possession.
      Bent was fined £385 with £85 costs.
      But he was successful in court last week when the Insolvency and Companies Court found the London property “fell outside the bankruptcy estate” and that trustees administering the estate, had “no interest” in it.
      Read More On The Sun
      His daughter is from a former relationship with ex-fiancee Kelly Clark which ended in 2006, the same year he got together with Hollyoaks actress and future Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson.
      After they too split he later dated model and Celebrity Big Brother contestant Danielle Lloyd.
      Bent pictured playing for Birmingham CityCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Bent (playing for Wolves) has had a fall from grace since his playing daysCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      Wilder breaks silence as he tweets for first time since he was arrested after ‘gun and drugs found in Rolls-Royce’

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      DEONTAY WILDER has broken his silence following his arrest after a gun and drugs were allegedly found in his Rolls-Royce.The heavyweight legend urged fans to “never let anyone dim your light” in his first tweets since Los Angeles traffic police pulled him over on May 2.
      Deontay Wilder has returned to social media after an eight-week breakCredit: AFP
      Knockout specialist Wilder has not fought since a swift win in OctoberCredit: Getty
      The ex-world champion, 37, was charged with “possession of a concealed weapon” following what was described as a routine stop.
      But on his return to social media the Bronze Bomber made no reference to the case – instead treating fans to some philosophical musings.
      Wilder was beaten twice by unbeaten Brit Tyson Fury in their iconic trilogy before knocking out Finn Robert Helenius in round one of his comeback fight last October.
      And he told his followers how to win at life with a series of deep tweets.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      Wilder shared this mantra with fans: “You’re an amazing human being and it’s deserving to be acknowledged.”
      But with his next step in the ring uncertain, he also posted: “Certain things come to an end as the years get older it’s called growth.”
      He didn’t explain if that was a reference to his boxing career.
      Arguably most Wilder’s most heartfelt message was his longest.
      Most read in Boxing
      The American pleaded: “Never let anyone dim your light. We all are capable of doing multiple things in this world.
      “Some people will not like what you do because they can’t figure out their problems but, that’s ok bec many will LOVE & appreciate what you give to this world. My light will always shine.” More

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

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

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

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