Footballer jailed after Instagram drugs boast

A footballer who bragged on Instagram about drug dealing has been jailed.

Thierry Nevers, 23, who previously played for West Ham, Newport County and Bradford City, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was jailed for three years at Lincoln Crown Court on Monday.

Lincolnshire Police said mobile phone searches found contact between Nevers and Allan Barrass, 50, from Main Street, Dorrington, Lincolnshire, as well as evidence of Class A drug dealing.

Barrass was sentenced to 10 years in prison after admitting three drug-related offences and one firearms offence.

Police said Barrass was arrested on 6 August and a cannabis grow was found in his garage.

Officers also seized 40g (1.4oz) of cocaine, £5,860 in cash, and weapons including a lock knife, an extending baton and a baseball bat.

A sawn-off shotgun, loaded with two cartridges, was also found at his property, the force added.

Barrass admitted being concerned in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, producing a controlled drug, and possession of a firearm.

Nevers, of Severn Way, Tilehurst, Reading, was arrested on 13 August.

Police said he was a "known Instagram content maker, bragging about drug dealing in his videos".

Det Sgt Adam Petty, who oversaw the investigation, said: "Drugs have a terrible impact on our communities and will never be tolerated.

"As well as the suffering caused to users, drug dealing brings violence and an uplift in theft offences, and often, as is seen in this case, the possession of dangerous weapons."

He added: "We will continue to listen to the public and work with our communities to target anyone dealing drugs."

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