David McNally (Image: Archive)
David McNally (Image: Archive)
A Helmshore paramedic has been ordered to repay more than £24,000 to Manchester City after stealing players' items and medical equipment from the club.
David McNally, 47, who had served as a paramedic for the North West Ambulance Service for 27 years, had worked at the Etihad Stadium on matchdays for the past decade.
However, in March, he was given a suspended sentence after stealing items, including boots belonging to the club’s star players, nutritional equipment and fashion items, before selling them on his eBay account for profit.
Last week, McNally of Cherry Tree Way, appeared at the court again following an investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
He was ordered to pay City £24,676 in compensation.
The judge, Recorder Jeremy Lasker, said that if he fails to repay the sum within three months, he could face a six-month prison sentence.
Judge Kate Cornell said at his sentencing that McNally had thrown his career away for no reason, after he told the probation service he had stolen items to supplement his income.
In sentencing, Judge Cornell said: “You have brought embarrassment and disgrace to your family.
"The high-profile nature of the club has put the case into the public eye and had a knock-on effect on your children.
“This incident is a personal tragedy for you, and you allowed greed to overcome your better judgment.
“Don’t let this happen again. Your family deserve to have you present and supporting them. It was unnecessary and needless; ensure it is never repeated.”
Dan Calder, who mitigated for McNally, said that the consequences of his actions were significant and that he had brought shame on his family and left his reputation to “lie in tatters”.
McNally was in tears as he was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work.
He was also previously under curfew between 5am and 9.30 pm, but that period has now come to an end.