David McNally, 47, a former North West Ambulance Service paramedic and long-serving matchday medic at Manchester City, has been nailed for swiping tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of club gear.
Years-Long Theft Spree Exposed
McNally pocketed a huge stash of memorabilia and equipment between June 2019 and May 2023. The haul included:
- Eight signed first-team shirts worth around £1,000 each
- A signed banner from City’s 2021–22 Champions League run
- Personalised football boots made for stars like Sergio Agüero and Aymeric Laporte
- Medical equipment, tracksuits, holdalls, footballs, and branded clothing
Police uncovered that McNally sold hundreds of these pilfered items online to “supplement his income.”
How the Crime Unraveled
The operation came crashing down when a tracksuit vanished from the women’s changing room in February 2023. CCTV footage showed McNally sneaking into off-limit areas. A police search of his home in Helmshore, Lancashire, recovered a trove of stolen goods.
The total heist is valued at roughly £75,000, with £24,000 worth sold online and lost for good.
Justice Served with Suspended Sentence
McNally kept quiet during police interviews but later pled guilty. Manchester Crown Court handed him a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He must also complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay back £24,676.35 in compensation to Manchester City.
“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,” said his lawyer Dan Calder.
