David McNally Credit: MEN Media
The most senior paramedic at Manchester City's home games stole items including Sergio Aguero's football boots to sell - making around £75,000.
David McNally used his access to the Etihad stadium over four years to take things before putting them up for sale online.
The 47-year-old was said to have "thrown away" his lengthy medical career because he simply wanted a bit of extra cash to supplement his paramedic's wage, Manchester Crown Court heard.
## Paramedic admits theft of 'at least £75k' of goods from Manchester City
Handing the former paramedic for 10 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, Judge Kate Cornell, labelled his thefts as "breathtakingly brazen" and stated that he had brought "embarrassment and disgrace" upon himself and his family.
McNally, from Helmshore in Lancashire, was a North West Ambulance Service paramedic for more than 20 years until his arrest.He was based at City's stadium for around a decade as a 'casual' match day medic.
A court heard he had an ID badge and enjoyed privileged access "all over the club" as the most senior paramedic on match day duties at times. But the judge told him he had allowed "greed to overcome his better judgement."
Manchester City's Etihad Stadium Credit: ITV News
The father-of-two was caught after he swiped a tracksuit from women's changing rooms at the ground in February, 2023, sparking a complaint and an internal investigation by the club.CCTV images captured him entering the changing rooms and leaving again, before walking out to his parked car and putting an orange drinks container he was holding in his boot. Police were called in by the club and it later emerged McNally controlled an eBay account.A warrant was then executed at his home where police found 108 items including medical equipment, holdalls full of Manchester City kit, footballs, football boots, items of City-branded clothing and nutritional items, the court heard.
David McNally used his access to the stadium to steal from the club and sell items online Credit: ITV News
Charlotte Rimmer, prosecuting, said it emerged he had sold hundreds of items he had stolen from the club on the online auction house.
The theft, she said, amounted to £75,000, with items worth £24,000 sold online that couldn't be recovered by the club.All teams at the club, from the academy to the women's team and the first team, were affected, Ms Rimmer added.A previous court hearing - as McNally admitted a single charge of theft - heard he flogged football boots, medical equipment and branded kits and tracksuits on eBay.
He also admitted stealing valuable memorabilia - including eight signed men's first team football shirts valued at £1,000 each; a signed banner from their 2021/22 Champion's League campaign; and personalised football boots made for striker Sergio Aguero.Dan Calder, defending, said McNally wanted to issue a personal apology.
He said: "It is a matter of profound shame for him personally and professionally. He wishes to apologise to all those affected by his conduct. His remorse is genuine and sincere."Mr Calder said the thefts began with some "opportunistic, trivial items", but "progressed and escalated" He said McNally stole the items simply to supplement his income."His medical career is over," added Mr Calder. "His reputation, a reputation he has built over decades, he recognises lies in tatters."He was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. McNally was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work in the community and subjected to a curfew.McNally now faces paying back some of the money he raked in as he'll face hearings under the Proceeds of Crime Act.