More stories

  • in

    Ex-West Ham footballer jailed after attempting to sell £1.9m antique vase stolen during heist at Switzerland museum

    A FORMER West Ham player who tried to help sell a £1.9million antique vase stolen during a heist at a Switzerland museum has been jailed.Kaine Wright, 26, was caught in an undercover police sting along with accomplices Leslie Nkhwa, 47, and David Lamming, 31.
    Kaine Wright has been jailed for three yearsCredit: Central News
    The ex-footballer was part of a plan to sell an ancient vaseCredit: Central News
    The “rare pomegranate vase from the Yongle Period (1403-1425AD)” was stolen during a raid at the Musee des Arts d’Extreme-Orient in Geneva in June 2019.
    The trio attempted to flog it for £1million but later dropped the price to £450,000 in cash.
    It had been valued by experts for insurance purposes at £1.96million.
    Wright and Lamming were today jailed for three years after they were convicted of conspiracy to convert criminal property.
    Read more news
    Nkhwa, who pleaded guilty to the same charge, was handed a two-and-a-half year sentence.
    Southwark Crown Court heard the plot unfolded on July 30, 2020, when a man called Mr Steel emailed the China Guardian auction house in Hong Kong asking for a valuation.
    The seller, later identified as Lamming, included photos of the item, which were compared with the stolen vase.
    Lamming also emailed the Art Loss Register based in Hatton Garden saying he was in touch with someone who had a vase that had been stolen from Switzerland.
    Most read in Football
    This caused police to launch an undercover sting operation using an officer named Paul.
    He received an email from Lamming with photos of the vase but without a newspaper alongside it to show the date.
    This caused Wright to text Nkhwa, saying: “Also to be fair I don’t even believe they have s**t anymore…does it even exist the fact that in a week and a half they can’t take a picture.
    “If it’s this hard just to get someone to take a picture when he actually flies in to buy it will be a joke…this people are not reliable waste of time [sic].
    “Honestly bro if you can’t get it today I just gonna tell the buyer its gone he is willing to pay the money…and I can’t be f***ed to mess around wasting my time when no one is serious about selling it…I guess they keep it forever for no reason.
    “Yh its dumb shout me in the morning…like they already had it a long time and can’t sell it so makes no sense lol. Unless they don’t want money. Going sleep now.”
    The court heard a series of meetings were carried out between Lamming and a second undercover officer named Richard, including one at Delfino’s Restaurant in Mayfair on October 7.
    They “shook hands” on a deal for £450,000 and agreed the exchange would take place at the five star Marriott Hotel six days later.
    Police then arrested Nkhwa and Lamming before detaining Wright, who accepts driving them to the hotel.
    Giving evidence, Wright claimed Nkwha had approached him and asked if he could help flog the vase.
    He added: “I said no. Most of my friends are sportsmen, they play for England. No one knows what to do for a vase.
    “I suggested he should list it online.
    “I think it was on behalf of someone else.”
    But sentencing, Judge Martin Griffith branded the ex-footballer a “Jekyll and Hyde character” who had undoubtedly “lied” on the stand.
    Wright and Nkhwa deny one count of conspiracy to convert criminal property between 31 July 2020 and 15 October 2020, while Lamming has admitted the charge.
    The footballer played for both West Ham and Brentford’s youth team as a midfielder.
    After leaving the Premier League clubs, Wright moved to Major League Soccer in America.
    In 2019, he represented England in the Socca six-a-side World Cup.
    He also played in front of PSG star Neymar Jr in the footballer’s Five World Finals competition in 2017.
    Read More on The Sun
    The vase had been valued at £1.96millionCredit: Central News
    Nkhwa was handed a two-and-a-half year sentenceCredit: Central News
    He was arrested at five star Marriott HotelCredit: Central News
    Lamming was caught by an undercover police stingCredit: Central News
    Wright played for West Ham before moving to MLS footballCredit: Central News More

  • in

    Ex-Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge ‘issued with ARREST WARRANT after he failed to pay $30k reward for his missing dog’

    AN ARREST warrant has allegedly been issued for ex-Premier League star Daniel Sturridge after he failed to appear in court over £24,400 he was ordered to pay a man for finding his lost dog.The 34-year-old publicly offered a reward for the safe return of his Pomeranian in July 2019 after it had been stolen from his Los Angeles home.
    Daniel Sturridge is yet to pay a man that reunited him with his dogCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
    The former Liverpool star is now set to appear in court next monthCredit: PA
    Rapper Killa Fame found and returned Sturridge’s dogCredit: X formerly Twitter / @KILLAFLAME
    A man named Foster Washington, also known as rapper Killa Fame, took credit for reuniting Sturridge with his dog.
    However, he then claimed that he never received the promised reward and subsequently launched a civil lawsuit.
    In December 2021, a Los Angeles court ordered the former Liverpool star to pay $30,000 (£24,400) after he failed to respond to the initial complaint.
    Sturridge was called back to court last month, but the Daily Mail have reported that he did not attend.
    Read More on Football
    He has now been served a bench warrant – a summons issued by a judge to arrest a defendant and bring them before court.
    A new hearing has been set for November 30.
    Sturridge’s representatives did not respond to The Mail for comment.
    The ex-Liverpool striker, who left Anfield in 2019, claimed that he paid a reward after a court hearing in 2021.
    Most read in Football
    He tweeted: “Just to let you know the truth at Christmas. I met a young boy who found my dog and paid him a reward, which he was delighted with, as was I to get my dog back because he was stolen.
    “Other people are trying to benefit for their own personal gain. Thank you to the young boy once again. I’m very grateful Lucci is back with our family.”
    However, Washington told The Mail: “For me, it’s a point of principle. He promised me the money. It’s a substantial amount of money that could change my family’s life.
    “He thinks he is above the law. He thinks because he’s rich he doesn’t have to respond to what’s going on. That’s why I had to have the judge issue a warrant so he has to pay the money.”
    Sturridge has not played professional football since leaving Perth Glory in 2022.
    At the beginning of this season, he was named as a new Sky Sports pundit.
    Sturridge was appointed as a Sky Sports pundit at the beginning of the seasonCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Man Utd star Antony’s ex Gabriela Cavallin arrives in UK as she’s set to talk to cops over ‘abuse’ claims

    ANTONY’S ex-girlfriend headed to Manchester’s celebrity hotspots after arriving in the UK ahead of her police interview over claims he attacked.Model Gabriela Cavallin has accused the Red Devils star, 23, of assaulting her multiple times during their relationship.
    Gabriela Cavallin pictured at Manchester’s ChinawhiteCredit: instagram
    Gabriela is set to speak to cops over allegations Antony attacked herCredit: instagram
    She claimed that she was first attacked by the £85million winger in June last year, while pregnant and on holiday in Brazil.
    The DJ alleged that Antony then headbutted and punched her, damaging a breast implant, at a hotel in Manchester on January 15 – the day after United’s 2-1 victory over City.
    And Gabriela claimed the Brazilian forward threw a glass at her in May, injuring her finger.
    Gabriela arrived in the UK yesterday ahead of a scheduled chat with cops in Manchester over her claims he attacked her at a hotel in the city.
    More on Antony
    Snaps shared on Instagram show the model posing in a black dress at nightclub Chinawhite.
    Gabriela also posted pictures from inside the plush Japanese restaurant SakkuSamba in Spinningfields.
    Last month, Antony was grilled by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) for five hours over her allegations.
    Antony has strongly denied all allegations made against him and volunteered to meet cops in Manchester for questioning.
    Most read in Football
    He was also voluntarily interviewed by Brazilian cops in June and was free to leave for the UK after cooperating with Sao Paulo police.
    The football star has not been arrested or charged in either the UK or Brazil.
    Gabriela previously exclusively told The Sun on Sunday that she believes Antony should be axed from the Man Utd squad.
    She said: “Antony needs to be taken off the pitch. It’s disappointing he’s still allowed to play while there’s an investigation.
    “I am absolutely destroyed by the whole process. How can life go on as normal for him? They can’t just know what they know now and not do anything. He needs to be removed.”
    Gabriela also demanded to know why United bosses waited three months to respond to the abuse allegations.
    It has been reported in Brazil that Gabriela has told police that £150,000-a-week Antony assaulted her four times.
    Gabriela vowed to keep fighting for her claims to be taken seriously.
    She said: “I will do everything in my power.
    “I will not give up. People need to be held accountable.”
    Antony has repeatedly defended himself and denied accusations, which became public in June.
    He wrote on Instagram: “Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel obliged to speak out publicly about the false accusations that I have been a victim of.
    “From the beginning, I have treated this matter with seriousness and respect, providing the necessary clarifications to the police.
    Read More on The Sun
    “The investigation is under judicial secrecy, and therefore I cannot make its contents public.
    “However, I can calmly say that the accusations are false, and that the current evidence and the ones yet to be produced demonstrate my innocence.”
    Gabriela enjoyed dinner at SakkuSambaCredit: instagram
    Antony pictured leaving the police station after being questioned for five hoursCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

  • in

    Maddy Cusack was identified by her devastated dad after Sheffield United star died at Horsley home, inquest hears

    MADDY Cusack was formally identified by her devastated dad after she died at her home, an inquest has heard.The Sheffield United star, 27, died at her home address in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20.
    Maddy died at her home in Derbyshire, an inquest heard todayCredit: Rex
    Maddy in action during an FA Cup match against between Blackburn Rovers in December 2021Credit: Getty
    Floral tributes, shirts and written messages outside Bramall Lane following her deathCredit: Getty
    Tributes poured in from across the world following the announcement of her death, which came as she entered a sixth season with her club – having signed a new deal in July.
    An inquest was opened and and adjourned at Derby Coroner’s Court today as a coroner awaits further details about the cause of her death.
    Assistant Coroner Louise Pinder told the short hearing Ms Cusack’s death was reported to Chesterfield Coroner’s Court by police on September 21.
    She said Ms Cusack, who also worked in Sheffield United’s commercial department as a marketing executive, had been formally identified after her death by her dad David.
    Read more football
    The hearing, which was only attended by members of the press, was also told her cause of death is yet to be ascertained.
    Ms Pinder added: “We are awaiting a police file and the medical cause of death, therefore I am adjourning the inquest for six weeks for further review then the inquest can be listed in due course.”
    Ms Cusack was the Blades’ longest-serving female player and the first to reach 100 appearances.
    In a tribute posted on the club’s official website last month, the club’s chief executive Stephen Bettis said: “This is heart-breaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane.
    Most read in Football
    “Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield United and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with.
    “Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family – she will be sadly missed.
    “While taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.”
    A minute’s silence was held before kick-off and the club’s matchday programme featured on the cover a black and white picture of Cusack in a Sheffield United shirt.
    A number of Lionesses also took to social media to pay their respects.
    Aston Villa and England midfielder Jordan Nobbs wrote: “Sending all our love to Maddy’s family and friends.”
    Tottenham and Lioness forward Beth England posted: “This is devastating news.
    “My thoughts and love go out to her family, friends and everyone at Sheffield United. Rest in peace, Maddy.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Manchester City and England forward Lauren Hemp penned: “Awful awful news, my love and thoughts are with her family, friends and everyone at Sheffield.”
    She previously played for Birmingham City and Aston Villa.
    Sophie Barker and family members paid tribute to Maddy prior to the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Newcastle UnitedCredit: Getty
    Fans held a minute’s silence in her memory ahead of the gameCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Chris Eubank Jr’s trainer Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre swerves jail for carrying loaded gun in suitcase at Manchester Airport

    CHRIS Eubank Jr’s trainer has avoided jail after he admitted carrying a loaded gun and ammo in his suitcase through Manchester Airport.Brian “BoMac” McIntyre was arrested at the airport in September after the weapon was found in his hold luggage by staff.
    Brian McIntyre was arrested at Manchester AirportCredit: Getty
    The 53-year-old appeared at Manchester Crown Court today where he admitted possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.
    He swerved jail and was instead handed a 20 sentence suspended for two years.
    Boxer Terence Crawford was among those giving evidence on the trainer’s behalf.
    McIntyre, who is from the US, was detained after he checked in for a flight to Atlanta on September 3.
    Border Force allegedly intercepted the bag after a scan showed a weapon, magazine and ammunition inside.
    Armed police then swooped on Terminal 2 of the airport to arrest McIntyre.
    The trainer was in the corner for Eubank Jnr’s middleweight victory over Liam Smith in their Manchester rematch last month.
    He also trained Amir Khan for his fight with Kell Brook last year, and is also the trainer of American boxer Terence Crawford.
    Most read in Boxing
    Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 10.45am on Sunday, 3 September 2023, officers were called to reports of a possible firearm being found in hold luggage by airport staff at Manchester Airport.
    “After initial inspection by security staff, GMP officers attended, and the firearm was seized.
    “Subsequently, a 53-year-old man was arrested for possession of a firearm and was taken to custody for further questioning.
    “Brian McIntyre (01/07/1970) from the United States of America was charged with possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.”
    Eubank Jnr’s team declined to comment on the charges.
    McIntyre is Chris Eubank Jr’s trainerCredit: PA
    He also works with Amir KhanCredit: PA More

  • in

    Ex-porn star and football WAG, 27, jailed after trying to traffic 14lbs of coke into Spain…but shock texts gave her away

    A FORMER porn star and football WAG has been jailed for almost three years after shocking texts revealed how she trafficked 14lbs of coke into Spain.Mia Etcheverria was one of five seized at Carrasco International Airport, in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo.
    Mia Etcheverria was one of five seized by cops after trafficking 14lbs of cocaine into SpainCredit: instagram
    The former porn star was married to Richard Morales, a Uruguayan football starCredit: instagram
    Morales, right, played for Osasuna and Malaga during his club careerCredit: AP:Associated Press
    The adult actress, and ex-wife of Uruguayan football star Richard ‘Chengue’ Morales, 48, was nabbed by cops on June 24.
    While the gang of five made their way through the airport, police carried out a routine check on one of the men.
    Officers found his two suitcases had hidden compartments containing six slabs of cocaine with a staggering total weight 14lbs 5oz.
    Cops then pulled over the rest of the group, including three women aged 26, 27, and 36, and a 35-year-old man.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Etcheverria initially denied having any knowledge of the drug plot but confessed later during a plea-bargaining deal, according to local reports.
    Police then found Telegram messages while investigating the WAG’s mobile phone where she was seen giving other gang members tips on how to avoid being caught.
    She told them: “It is your attitude that will determine your trip, you understand? Travel listening to music.”
    Etcheverria added: “When you get off the plane, take photos (but do not upload anything) until you reach your destination. As touristy as possible, trust me.”
    Most read in Football
    Her lawyer, Pablo Casas, claimed at the time of the group’s bust that his client “was unaware of the contents of the suitcases”.
    The ex-porn star – real name Camila Navarro – was one of the main stars on the Uruguayan adult channel Divas TV.
    She shares two daughters with Morales, who made 27 appearances for Uruguay between 2001 and 2005.
    The footie ace played for Osasuna and Malaga during his club career.
    Morales paid all her legal fees during the trial and said in a statement: “Nowadays, more than ever, my only priority is my daughters and their well-being, and I will protect them from any media exposure related to this issue.
    “I understand that we are both public figures in different contexts, but I consider it unnecessary to constantly refer to me and my daughters.”
    She has been jailed for two years and seven months after previously facing 18 years in jail for the offense.
    It comes after a former Leeds Utd player was jailed for shifting cocaine for a major crime gang after cops smashed a secret EncroChat network.
    Paul Shepherd, 45, worked as a “trusted courier” for the four-man drug racket by moving cash and drugs around for them.
    Read More on The Sun
    And Sebastian Guilhaus, a former Married at First Sight star, was charged with drug trafficking after cops said they seized almost £47,000 worth of meth during a raid.
    He was arrested in June by the Serious and Organised Crime Branch detectives at his Adelaide home.
    Morales paid all of Etcheverria’s legal fees during the trialCredit: instagram
    The 27-year-old has been arrested for two years and seven monthsCredit: instagram
    Etcheverria was one of the main stars on the Uruguayan adult channel Divas TVCredit: instagram More

  • in

    Horror moment ‘disabled’ Brighton & Hove Albion fan lies on ground in agony after being ‘tackled by French riot cop’

    SHOCKING footage shows a Brighton fan on the floor in agony after he was allegedly pushed to the ground by a French cop.Tensions flared following the Seagulls’ 2-2 draw with Marseille on Thursday night as supporters were shut in the stadium for hours after the European clash.
    The trapped fans rushed to help the man as he was on the floor after the alleged incidentCredit: Twitter
    A ‘disabled’ Brighton fan was allegedly pushed to the ground by a French cop after their Europa league clash with MarseilleCredit: Twitter
    Fans heading to the south of France had been warned they would be held up for at least 45 minutes for safety reasons.
    But furious football lovers complained they were kept back for at least two hours with no water offered.
    Supporters stuck in crowds claimed on social media some people fainted due to dehydration.
    Meanwhile, one outraged fan, Simon, shared a clip showing a man on the floor.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL FANS
    He claimed in a post on X that the supporter, understood to have disabilities, had been pushed over by a French police officer.
    Simon said the man was left with “no medical attention for 20 minutes”.
    Footage shows the man on his side on the floor as other fans appear to argue with security guards and police wearing protective vests and holding shields.
    One fan can be heard telling the officers to call an ambulance while another shouts: “This is your fault.”
    Most read in Football
    Simon wrote on X: “Thanks @OfficialBHAFC for abandoning us after the game.
    “This lad has disabilities & was pushed by a French Police officer and left for 20mins with no medical attention.
    “Over 1,000 fans held back for over 3 hours after KO with no water.”
    In a previous post, he claimed officers were “pushing everyone together”.
    Simon added: “Chaos getting here chaos leaving. In the modern game attending fans are the lowest priority.
    “Incompetency has ruined what was meant to be the best day of my footballing life.”
    Other fans were left seeing red as delayed flights and shuttles buses to the stadium meant some Brighton fans missed kick-off.
    Joao Pedro went on to rescue Brighton’s first-ever Europa League point to prevent their European tour from being derailed.
    The Seagulls were staring at back-to-back defeats when sub Pedro slotted home an 88th-minute penalty to seal a comeback from two goals down.
    Read More on The Sun
    Brighton and Hove Albion and French Police have been approached for comment.
    Sussex Police did not comment.
    Riot police at the game have been called out online by Brighton fans for the way they were treated and the conditions they were made to wait inCredit: Twitter
    Over a thousand Brighton fans were shut in the stadium for hours after the match finishedCredit: Twitter More

  • in

    Antony’s ex Gabriela ‘to fly to UK in DAYS to speak to Brit cops’ over Man Utd star’s ‘headbutt attack’

    ANTONY’S ex-girlfriend is set to fly to the UK within days to speak to cops about her claims the footballer attacked her at a Manchester hotel.The Red Devils star, 23, was last week grilled by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) for five hours over Gabriela Cavallin’s allegations.
    Gabriela Cavallin alleged Antony attacked her on multiple occasionsCredit: instagram
    Antony pictured leaving the police station after being questioned for five hoursCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Gabriela, 22, has accused the £85million winger of assaulting her on numerous occasions throughout their relationship.
    She claimed that she was first attacked in June last year, while pregnant and on holiday in Brazil.
    The model and DJ alleged that Antony then headbutted and punched her, damaging a breast implant, at a hotel in Manchester on January 15 – the day after United’s 2-1 victory over City.
    And she claimed the Brazilian forward threw a glass at her in May, injuring her finger.
    More on Antony
    Two other women have made similar claims against the footballer.
    Gabriela is now understood to be preparing to jet to the UK from Brazil before an “in person” interview with officers from GMP on Wednesday, reports The Telegraph.
    Antony has strongly denied all allegations made against him and volunteered to meet cops in Manchester for questioning.
    He was also voluntarily interviewed by Brazilian cops in June and was free to leave for the UK after cooperating with Sao Paulo police.
    Most read in Football
    The football star has not been arrested or charged in either the UK or Brazil.
    Antony was granted an indefinite leave of absence from United to deal with the allegations.
    But on Tuesday he came on as a sub during Manchester United’s clash against Galatasaray.
    Antony had not played for the club since their 3-1 loss at Arsenal on September 3.
    The Man Utd ace has repeatedly defended himself and denied accusations, which became public in June.
    He wrote on Instagram: “Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel obliged to speak out publicly about the false accusations that I have been a victim of.
    “From the beginning, I have treated this matter with seriousness and respect, providing the necessary clarifications to the police.
    “The investigation is under judicial secrecy, and therefore I cannot make its contents public.
    Read More on The Sun
    “However, I can calmly say that the accusations are false, and that the current evidence and the ones yet to be produced demonstrate my innocence.”
    Gabriela previously led calls for the £150k-a-week star to be dropped from the squad in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.
    The model has accused the Man Utd star of headbutting her at a hotel in ManchesterCredit: Instagram More