Footballer accused of blackmail

A 22-year-old footballer has been charged with blackmailing a Premier League player.

Goalkeeper Ashley Timms, who is thought to be without a club, is accused of demanding £15,000 from the player.

He appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Saturday charged with making an unwarranted demand for money with menaces between March and April 2007.

Mr Timms was granted bail and the case was sent to Manchester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on 18 April.

Magistrates made an order banning the publication of the Premier League player at the centre of the allegation.

Mr Timms, from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, was once the goalkeeper for Manchester City's under-19 team.

His most recent club was Cambridge City, where he made 15 appearances before being released last week.

Mr Timms, who was born in Manchester, also had trials at Bolton Wanderers, Oldham, Macclesfield and Norwich City.

He also had brief spells at Shrewsbury Town, Accrington Stanley and Runcorn.