A FORMER professional footballer who went on a £5,000 shoplifting spree in Cumbria has been sent to prison by a judge.

Kevin Magee played alongside David Beckham at Preston North End during the 1990s, and also represented several Scottish clubs during a 15-year career.

But the 45-year-old appeared in the dock at Carlisle Crown Court today having admitted five theft offences.

Magee was said to have driven two other men to supermarkets in Carlisle and Penrith in May. Alcohol valued at £5,284.50 was snatched as crimes were committed on three separate dates.

The court heard how Magee got involved in the illegal enterprise having taken on his partner's cocaine debt. He feared he would be "beaten up" if he did not take part in the booze run.

Magee, of Dechmont, Broxburn, West Lothian, was said to have 25 offences on his criminal record, including a number of previous thefts.

He was sent to prison for six months by Recorder Philip Curran, who described the defendant's fall from grace as a "tragedy".