Burglars sentenced for targeting Liverpool star and three other footballers
Two men received additional prison time after being convicted of burglaries at the homes of Alexander Isak, Matheus Cunha, Leon Bailey and Neil Etheridge.
An organised crime duo, Valentino Nikolov and Charlie Jovanovic, were sentenced to further custodial terms after being found guilty of burglaries targeting several professional footballers. After their initial conviction for breaking into Liverpool striker Alexander Isak's North East home, the pair returned to court for raids on Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha, former Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey and ex-Birmingham City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
Investigators said the criminals scouted the victims by visiting training facilities and tracking online activity, then struck during the holiday period, stealing items valued at up to £500,000, including a Rolex and jewellery. One attempted break-in at Bailey's house was foiled by a security alert. Nikolov received a four-year-four-month term, consecutive to a prior ten-year sentence, while Jovanovic was given two-years-four-months, consecutive to a six-year-nine-month term, and both face deportation after release.
Why it matters
The case highlights how high-profile athletes can be targeted by organized thieves who exploit social media and holiday absences.
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