Liverpool employee stole legendary manager portraits from club’s training ground
A security guard at Liverpool’s training ground stole portraits of legendary managers and club memorabilia.
Gary Wilson admitted helping himself to a portrait of iconic former Reds boss Bill Shankly and a painting of his successor, three times European Cup winner Bob Paisley.
The 40-year-old also took a pennant from a Community Shield game between Manchester City and Liverpool, a pennant from a European game with Napoli, and a number of programmes from Liverpool's 2019 Champions League final win versus Tottenham.
READ MORE: 'Overpaid' Arsenal stars slammed as 'entitled and rude' for blanking child mascot
But the Liverpool Echo reports how Wilson was linked to a website selling Reds memorabilia – after he was caught on camera. Liverpool Magistrates' Court heard an enquiry was made to buy a pair of boots, allegedly worn by captain Jordan Henderson, and a suspicious video was forwarded on to the Reds.
In the video, Wilson could be seen in a reflection and was subsequently identified. The offences took place during his time as a security guard at the club’s now-former training base at Melwood, and then later its new site in Kirby.
Wilson, of Briars Lane, Burscough, West Lancashire, was arrested on February 3, 2022. His phone was seized and searched, further implicating him in the theft. The portrait of Paisley and the pennants were returned to the club, but the portrait of Shankly and the Champions League programmes were not.
Yvonne Dobson, prosecuting, said: "In December 2021, Liverpool Football Club were made aware of a website selling items belonging to Liverpool Football Club players. The football club began an investigation as these items were being sold without the permission of the club."
Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of theft by employee, between December 1, 2019, and March 17, 2023.
Kevin Liston, defending, said: "This was out of character course of conduct, from a 40-year-old man who is a family man, a father of four, who has a stable existence in rented accommodation.
"He is engaged to be married, a carer for an 89-year-old lady who is the grandmother of his partner, and a sole practitioner running a business for him and his fiancé while she is on maternity leave.
"It is a matter that has brought shame to him and his family. It was a job that he really enjoyed and held a good relationship with the players."
Wilson was handed a 12-month community order and told him to complete 221 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £650 in costs and a £90 victim surcharge.
READ NEXT:
Jamie Carragher says 'arrogant' Arsenal are dropping points because they're too cocky
Senior Chelsea player signed under Todd Boehly already 'disillusioned' with life at crisis club
Carragher backs struggling Van Dijk – insisting defender is 'miles better than Vidic'
Bukayo Saka targeted by sickening racist abuse after missing Arsenal penalty
Gary Neville aghast by Keane and Hasselbaink's verdict on what 'disaster' is for Arsenal
Source: Read Full Article