Former footballer is jailed for robbery (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Former footballer is jailed for robbery

9:00am Thursday 19th July 2012 in News

A former semi-professional footballer, who went off the rails through drink, has been jailed for three years after robbing a man in his home.

Patrick Mumbley, 24, who had played for Bradford City under-16s, was homeless and under the influence of drink and drugs when he committed the offence last October, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Prosecutor John Topham said the robbery victim, 21-year-old Samuel Wood, was in his first-floor flat in Darren Street, Tyersal, Bradford, and had just gone to bed when he heard his letterbox rattling.

A voice outside said “It’s the police,” and the door was kicked. Mr Wood opened the door and two men, including the defendant, pushed him back.

Mr Wood, who was wearing just his boxer shorts, was made to lay flat on his living room floor. Mumbley demanded to know where his phone and money was and stole the phone and £20 from the bedroom. His accomplice ripped out Mr Wood’s Play Station and threatened him. The pair then fled.

Mumbley, who was living at a Salvation Army hostel at the time, pleaded guilty to robbery.

His barrister, Shufqat Khan, said Mumbley had played a full part in the robbery, but was not the instigator.

He said there had been tragic events in his client’s life and he had abused drink as a crutch. It had cost him his employment and his relationship.

Mr Khan added: “He was a promising footballer, playing semi-professional at one point, but his problems with drink led to his contract being terminated.”

Mr Khan said Mumbley owed money for drugs to a man who intimidated and bullied him for repayment.

Mumbley, whose footballing career also took in Rochdale youth team and non-league sides Bradford Park Avenue, Guiseley and Wakefield, was told by Judge David Hatton QC only imprisonment was appropriate.

Judge Hatton said: “Not only did you rob Mr Wood of items which were no doubt valuable to him, but you did so in his own home at night. He was caused to lie face down on the floor, wearing only his underwear, threatened to a degree and made to indicate where certain property was which was removed, never to be seen again by him.”