A former professional soccer player that represented his country at the international level on multiple occasions has been sentenced to 15-year prison sentence in relation to a string of armed robberies at off-track wagering locations.
An article by Racing Post states that 29-year-old Nathan Ashton, who participated in 20 matches for England-based teams while a teenager, developed a gambling problem during his playing days.
According to the report, Ashton had accrued debts totalling nearly £100,000 and he conducted the robberies to help pay them off. During his playing days, Ashton took to the pitch for Charlton, Crystal Palace and Fulham.
Ashton conducted the robberies both by himself and with an accomplice, depending on the instance. The article states that off-track wagering facilities operated by William Hill, Coral and Paddy Power were held up for a total of roughly £14,500 in cash. The OTBs were located across London and the south east.
A former Scottish League player named Ohmar Pike was also recently convicted to an 11-year sentence for aiding Ashton in at least some of the eight armed robberies.
(With files from Racing Post)