8 Apr 2008Footballer charged with blackmail

A young English footballer has been charged with blackmailing a Premier League player.

Ashley Timms, a 22-year-old goalkeeper, appeared before magistrates in Manchester accused of demanding £15,000 from a player.

It is thought that the keeper is without a club but previously played for Manchester City's under-19s.

He also played for Shrewsbury Town, Accrington Stanley, Runcorn, had trials at Bolton Wanderers, Oldham, Macclesfield Town and Norwich City and played for Cambridge City until he was released last week.

The youngster is accused of making unwarranted demands for money from an unnamed Premier League star.

An order was passed by magistrates which meant that the name of the victim could not be released.

Mr Timms has been released on bail and is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on April 18th.

The revelation comes after the FA said that it was investigating a claim that a player in Britain intentionally got himself sent off as part of a gambling scam.

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