Former Sheffield Wednesday footballer smashed into vintage shop causing over £7k damage, court told
Former Sheffield Wednesday winger Ben Marshall has avoided prison after admitting to burglary
A court has been told that a former Owls playmakers damaged items including the door, CCTV cameras, an antique cash register and numerous items from the shelves.
Ben Marshall who formed part of the Owls 2011/12 promotion-winning League One team during a season-long loan spell, inflicted more than £7,000 worth of damage to an antique shop in Shropshire – named Junk & Disorderly - following a night of heavy drinking, Telford Magistrates' Court was told.
The court was heard how the 35-year-old, who also played for the likes of Blackburn Rovers and Wolves, had "hit rock bottom" after squandering his wealth through a series of poor financial choices.
Marshall had been out drinking on Wednesday 4 February when the incident took place.
Birmingham Live, reported that prosecuting Lucy Allen told the court how Marshall departed a pub and made his way towards Junk & Disorderly, on Upper Bar in the town.
She said he kicked a glass panel on the front door until it smashed, and then "crawled" inside.
Damaged items included the door, CCTV cameras, an antique cash register and numerous items from the shelves, it was heard.
As a result, the store was closed for two days. Overall, the value of the damage was £7,450.
Marshall, pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to cause damage, and damaging property.
He received a community order for 12 months, including up to 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
The Salford-born footballer is also required to complete six months of alcohol treatment and carry out 120 hours of unpaid work. On top of that he’s also been instructed to pay £1,500 in compensation.
Marshall started his career at Stoke City after spells in the academies of both Manchester United and Crewe Alexander. The two-time England Under-21 international made a name for himself during a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday in League One in 2011/12 when he registered five goals and six assists in 22 appearances during the first half of the campaign before joining Leicester City in January that same season.
He spent two seasons at the King Power Stadium before joining Blackburn Rovers where he played the bulk of his career, notably winning the club’s Player of the Season award in 2014/15, before later spells at Wolves, Millwall and Norwich City.
Marshall hasn’t played in the Football League since 2019 but still remains in the sport at a semi-professional level with Stafford-based outfit Eccleshall FC, who compete in the 10th tier of English football.