A former professional footballer, who spent four years in Reading FC’s academy, who posted videos on Instagram bragging about drug dealing has been jailed for three years.
Thierry Nevers, 23, who previously played for Reading, West Ham United, Newport County and Bradford City, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Monday.
He spent four years in Reading’s Academy before departing the club to join Premier League side West Ham in 2021.
Lincolnshire Police said analysis of mobile phones uncovered messages between Nevers and 50-year-old Allan Barrass, of Main Street, Dorrington, linking both men to Class A drug supply.
Barrass was sentenced to 10 years in prison after admitting three drug-related offences, including being concerned in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, producing a controlled drug, and possession of a firearm.
He was arrested on 6 August, when officers uncovered a cannabis grow in his garage alongside 40g (1.4oz) of cocaine, £5,860 in cash and several weapons, including a lock knife, an extending baton and a baseball bat. A loaded sawn-off shotgun with two cartridges was also recovered.
Nevers, of Severn Way, Tilehurst, Reading, was arrested a week later, on 13 August. Police described him as a “known Instagram content maker” who had posted videos boasting about drug dealing.
Det Sgt Adam Petty, who led the investigation, said drug offences had a “terrible impact” on communities.
“As well as the suffering caused to users, drug dealing brings violence and an uplift in theft offences, and often, as seen in this case, the possession of dangerous weapons,” he said.
“We will continue to listen to the public and work with our communities to target anyone dealing drugs.”
