Jay Emmanuel-Thomas signed by AFC Totton after drugs prison term

Drug-smuggling footballer signed after prison term

5 hours ago Share Save Lewis Adams BBC News, East of England Share Save

PA Media Jay Emmanuel-Thomas orchestrated the importation of a £600,000 cannabis haul into Essex

Convicted drug smuggler Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has returned to football after being released from prison. The ex-Arsenal and Ipswich Town striker had served more than 10 months of a four-year sentence behind bars, having been jailed in June for masterminding the importation of £600,000 worth of cannabis at London Stansted Airport. Fans on social media accused Hampshire side AFC Totton of a "severe lack of class" after signing him on Tuesday. The club was contacted for comment, while the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said Emmanuel-Thomas was subject to "strict" license conditions.

The £600,000 haul of cannabis imported to the UK from Thailand was spread across four suitcases, and 60kg (132lb) of the Class B drug was seized at Stansted on 2 September. The footballer spent more than 10 months in prison, of which about eight and a half were on remand ahead of his sentencing. He was released from prison on 9 July with "strict conditions", the MoJ told the BBC, including an electronically monitored curfew.

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Eligible prisoners have been allowed to leave prison after serving 40% of their term, under rules introduced by the Labour government. Emmanuel-Thomas made his debut for AFC Totton in a pre-season victory over Weymouth FC on Tuesday, playing 45 minutes. Announcing his signing before the match, the National League South club said it was "delighted" to have him on board. "Jay will bring his powerful presence and exceptional technical ability to The Snows Stadium," it said in a statement. As it happened: Jay Emmanuel-Thomas jailed for four years The club referenced Emmanuel-Thomas' "experience" of playing in Thailand, where he met the drug producers behind his smuggling plot. One user on X said "signing a criminal is absolutely diabolical", while another suggested it showed a "severe lack of class". But others said it was a "good signing" and that Emmanuel-Thomas was a "phenomenal player".

NCA During his sentencing, it was said that Emmanuel-Thomas would feel "regret and shame for the rest of his life"

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