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David McNally was the most senior paramedic at the Etihad on matchdays, but was found to be a thief
A trusted medic who carried out a 'thieving spree' from the Etihad Stadium has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds in compensation to Manchester City.
David McNally worked as a North West Ambulance Service paramedic for more than 20 years, and was based at City's stadium for around a decade as a 'casual' matchday medic. But it was discovered that he had been stealing items from the stadium for four years, including football boots, medical equipment and branded kits and tracksuits, before selling them on eBay.
A judge previously described McNally’s thefts as 'breathtakingly brazen', and said he had brought 'embarrassment and disgrace' on himself and his family. He avoided jail and received a suspended sentence.
Now, McNally, 47, has appeared at Manchester Crown Court again following an investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The judge, Recorder Jeremy Lasker, ordered him to pay City £24,676.35 in compensation.
If he fails to repay the sum within three months, he could face a six month prison sentence. McNally’s sentencing hearing in March heard that McNally had an ID badge at the Etihad and enjoyed 'privileged' access 'all over the club' as the most senior paramedic on matchday duties at times.
McNally, a father-of-two, swiped a tracksuit from women's changing rooms at the ground in February, 2023. It sparked a complaint and an internal investigation by the club.
CCTV images captured him entering the changing rooms and leaving again, before walking out to his parked car and putting an orange drinks container he was holding in his boot. Police were called in by the club and it later emerged McNally controlled an eBay account.
A warrant was then executed at his home in Helmshore, Lancashire, where police found 108 items including medical equipment, holdalls full of Manchester City kit, footballs, football boots, items of City-branded clothing and nutritional items.
It emerged he had sold hundreds of items he had stolen from the club on the online auction house. The theft, she said, amounted to £75,000, with items worth £24,000 sold online that couldn't be recovered by the club.
All teams at the club, from the academy to the women's team and the first team, were affected, prosecutors said.
A previous court hearing - as McNally admitted a single charge of theft - heard he flogged football boots, medical equipment and branded kits and tracksuits on eBay. He also admitted stealing valuable memorabilia - including eight signed men’s first team football shirts valued at £1,000 each; a signed banner from their 2021/22 Champion’s League campaign; and ‘personalised football boots’ made for striker Sergio Aguero.
The thefts, committed between June 2019 and May 2023, were 'clearly organised', the prosecution said. Dan Calder, defending, said McNally wanted to issue a personal apology. He said: "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."
Mr Calder said the thefts began with some 'opportunistic, trivial items', but 'progressed and escalated'. He said McNally stole the items simply to 'supplement his income'. "His medical career is over," added Mr Calder. "His reputation, a reputation he has built over decades, he recognises lies in tatters."
Judge Kate Cornell sentenced him to 10 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, McNally was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work in the community and subjected to a curfew.
The judge said: "You have thrown away your career in the paramedic service and I have to ask, for what? You simply wanted a bit of extra cash."
Judge Cornell said she believed McNally saw the Premier League club as 'fair game' because of its riches, but said his actions were 'wholly out of character'. McNally had no previous convictions. There was no reference made in court to any lavish spending of the proceeds of his crimes.
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