Ex-Celtic & Scotland player caught driving on cocaine after injury ‘sent them into chaos'
IN THE DOCK
IN THE DOCK Ex-Celtic & Scotland player caught driving on cocaine after injury 'sent them into chaos'
AN ex-Celtic and Scotland footballer has been spared jail after being caught driving while on cocaine.
Courtney Whyte, 27, was sentenced at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday this week.
1
Whyte appeared in court in Glasgow
Credit: Alamy
The Herald report that Whyte was stopped by cops on April 13 last year in the East End of the city.
She was asked to give a sample of saliva which tested positive for cocaine.
Whyte was subsequently arrested and taken to Coatbridge police station.
A blood sample also returned a positive result for cocaine.
Whyte represented Celtic in the SWPL and was capped internationally at youth level by Scotland.
She also played for Glasgow City and Motherwell.
Appearing in court, Whyte pleaded guilty to driving with cocaine in her blood.
The former top flight footballer's lawyer told the court that a serious injury that had affected Whyte's football career had "sent her into chaos."
The lawyer said: "Addiction is a fairly significant issue.
"She was a very talented footballer, representing Celtic and Scotland, before she has a serious injury.
"That sent her into chaos.
"This is a bad coping mechanism."
Sheriff Patricia Pryce sentenced Whyte to 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed within eight months.
She's also been disqualified from driving for three years.
Sheriff Pryce told Whyte she had avoided a custodial sentence "by the skin of your teeth."
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Stewardess, 20, brutally knifed to death in engine room of £9.5m luxury yacht off billionaires' island
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A YOUNG crew member has been brutally killed on board a luxury yacht moored off a billionaires' playground. The body of Paige Bell, 20, was found in the engine room after the vessel docked off an exclusive island in the Bahamas. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 A huge bash was being planned for Friday in the marina and on the yacht to mark Paige's 21st birthday Credit: Facebook 7 The tragic incident has rocked the millionaire's playground 7 It is said she fought back but was overpowered by the 39-year-old Mexican ship's mechanic 7 The alleged murder shocked the exclusive resort of Harbour Island 7 Paige, from Johannesburg, South Africa, was described as a 'golden girl' by friends and worked as a guest relations officer on the £9.5million charter yacht Far From It. A 39-year-old Mexican mechanic who worked alongside Paige below deck has been arrested for her murder. It is said she fought back but was overpowered by her shipmate, whose motive is under police investigation. The engineer appeared at New Providence magistrates court in the Bahamas today charged with savagely murdering the 20-year-old last Thursday. A statement from Paige's family says: "Our family is facing an unimaginable journey. "This evening mom and dad are flying to the Bahamas to begin the painful process of not only bringing their baby girl home but also seeking justice for the monster that took her life. "We are devastated beyond words and now we must also navigate complex and costly legal proceedings in a foreign country – something far beyond our financial means. "This heart-breaking loss has been deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved 'Paigey' – her former captain, the boat owner, all the crew on board and our entire community. "We are humbly asking for your support whether by sharing this message or contributing financially, every bit helps. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. "We are grateful for your love, support, and solidarity during this incredibly difficult time. Ex-Tory chief blasted as he chairs Holyrood meeting from Caribbean The alleged murder shocked the exclusive resort of Harbour Island which is a 3 mile by 1.5 mile playground for the rich and famous and a mecca for superyachts. It lies 60 miles to the east of the capital Nassau just off the larger island of Eleuthera. Bill Gates has a mansion on the tiny island and regular holidaymakers include Mick Jagger, Prince Harry, Tom Cruise, Kardashians, Harrison Ford and Tom Hanks. It is known as the 'Billionaires Backyard' as over 20 billionaires live on the paradise island. A huge bash was being planned for Friday in the marina and on the yacht to mark Paige's 21st birthday - which had been planned by her boyfriend. Crew on the exclusive yacht which costs £120,000-a-week to charter were puzzled last week when there was no sign of Paige or answer from her phone. They searched all six luxury VIP suites and the crew quarters before one member of staff went down into the engine room where they discovered the horror. Paige's dead body was reportedly found on the floor. Her shipmate was lying close to her covered in blood with a knife in his hand, with both his wrists slashed, police said. Officers were called to the vessel at 1pm on July 3 and found the suspect still alive but bleeding heavily beside the young victim's body. A Bahamas police spokesman said: "We are investigating a murder and a suspected suicide attempt after a woman from South Africa was found dead on a yacht at Harbour Island. "According to a preliminary report shortly after 1pm on July 3, the police were alerted to an incident on a yacht and proceeded to the marina area and went aboard Far From It. "Once on board the vessel officers discovered a female unresponsive with visible signs of injuries and a Mexican national close by suffering from severe injuries to his arms. "The local doctor who had been called to the scene pronounced the victim deceased. "As police investigated further it was discovered that the victim was missing for a short period before being found unresponsive in the engine room with the male suspect. "We can confirm that a 39-year-old Mexican national will be arraigned before magistrates today charged with murder which stem from the death of a 20-year-old South African. "She was found on board a vessel at Harbour Island, Eleuthera, on Thursday, July 3." 7 Officers were called to the vessel at 1pm on July 3 Credit: Facebook
Glasgow Times
4 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Premier League Darts spectator kicked off in Hydro toilet
David Nelson was at the stadium on February 13 this year, watching night two of the event, which Luke Littler went on to win. Around 9.35pm, he was discovered visibly drunk in the toilets by two security guards conducting checks. Following a short conversation, they decided to eject him due to his state of intoxication. Nelson became aggressive and hostile and said: "I can do whatever I want." The security guards took his arms to escort him out but Nelson threw the contents of his drink in the face of Lucas McCallum, one of the staff members. The two stewards continued to escort him out to the street. He spat in Mr McCallum's face, then turned to the other worker, Ben McCallum and spat in his face too. As the security guards tried to take him to the ground, he punched Lucas McCallum in the face. The two men managed to get him to the floor as more colleagues came to help. Nelson was shouting: 'I will f*****g get you'. Police were called and they took control of him as the 26-year-old said: 'If they punch me, I am going to punch them back, it's f*****g self-defence.' He was arrested and taken to a police van, where he shouted at officers: 'You are mad paedos the f*****g lot of youse. Open the door. "Just because you are in uniform… Take these cuffs off me, you d**k.' On the way to Helen Street police station, he slid himself down the seat, causing his trousers to fall off. He shouted: 'Film this, you are a dirty paedo. Look at my c**k", while he was making a thrusting motion with his hips. Nelson continued: 'Look at my b**s, you paedo. You love seeing my penis, don't you, you f*****g paedo.' Premier League Darts spectator kicked off in Hydro toilet (Image: Newsquest) READ NEXT: Former Celtic and Scotland footballer caught driving with cocaine in blood The Blantyre resident appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday after he pleaded guilty to two charges of assault and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, including uttering threats of a sexual nature. The court also heard that Nelson had previously breached several court orders. His lawyer told Sheriff Patricia Pryce: "There are certain background elements which he has been struggling with. Not completing his orders is nonsensical, especially ones that are as important as this. "I know a custodial sentence is at the forefront of your mind. "He says he does not remember what happened. There is a concern that he must be minimising the matter. He needs to address his underlying alcohol problem and needs to get counselling." Sheriff Pryce said: "The court gave him an opportunity with the community payback order and he breached it." She told Nelson: "This was a horrendous course of conduct. "You spat in both of them, which is disgusting and you punched one of them. You have 11 breaches on your record. "Given your record and the fact that you are remanded [there is no alternative to custody]." He was sentenced to six months in jail.
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Man & woman charged in connection with alleged gangland firebombing over van blaze
It comes as Scotland's police chief issued a warning to Dubai-based gangsters 'GANG' ARRESTS Man & woman charged in connection with alleged gangland firebombing over van blaze Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TWO more people have been charged over an alleged firebombing said to be linked to the gang war raging across the country. A man, 39, and woman, 37, were nicked over a van which was allegedly torched on Bardowie Street in Glasgow on April 30. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The van was allegedly torched in Possilpark in April Credit: The Scottish Sun 3 Cops have arrested 54 people over alleged gang war attacks Credit: Alamy The van blaze was alleged to be an attack on the Daniel crime family and part of the raging underworld feud. The pair were arrested in connection with the alleged incident after cops swooped on a home in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire. Police executed a warrant in the town and took the pair into custody before they were both released on an undertaking to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date. The latest arrests mean 54 people have been arrested as part of Operation Portaledge, Police Scotland's probe into the gang war. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Two more people have been arrested and charged in connection with Operation Portaledge, bringing the total number of arrests to 54. 'On Friday, 4 July, 2025, following the execution of a warrant in Coatbridge, officers arrested and charged a 39-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman in connection with the wilful fire-raising of a vehicle, which happened on Bardowie Street in Glasgow on Wednesday, 30 April. 'They were both released on an undertaking to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.' The violent feud erupted earlier this year and has seen Dubai-based ex-Rangers ultra Ross 'Miami' McGill target jailed Edinburgh cocaine kingpin Mark Richardson. The rivalry was sparked over claims £500,000 of cocaine was paid for using fake cash, leading to attacks on people linked to the jailed crime boss. More violence spread to the west as a mysterious street gang called Tamu Junto began targeting members of the feared Daniel crime family in Glasgow. Fresh twist in Scotland's deadly gang war as 'Lyons' driver ambushed in brutal machete attack Several homes and vehicles have allegedly been targeted, smashed up and attacked in firebombings and shootings. Three people have also been arrested and charged over an alleged machete murder bid on David McMillan, a close pal of Richardson, outside his home in Pitcairn Grove in Edinburgh. But Police Scotland's Chief Constable issued a stark warning to warring mobsters spreading violence on the country's streets. Police chief Jo Farrell said the national force is insists the force is working with other crime-fighting agencies to target the Dubai-based gangsters linked to the violence. She insisted despite figures like McGill being out of touch in the UAE, they are firmly on their radar. The Chief Constable said: "We're working closely with the Crown Office and the National Crime Agency (NCA) to see if we can get those people back from those countries. "These aren't fast processes, but we're working with the authorities there and the NCA have individuals in those countries. "That's our link in and we're working very closely with them.' She issued a stark warning to those in the desert bolthole, saying: 'We are coming for you'.
