Wright-Phillips denies burglary

A footballer has denied stealing cash and mobile phones from a nightclub staffroom.

Southampton winger Bradley Wright-Phillips appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court where he pleaded not guilty to a charge of a non-dwelling burglary at the Bar Bluu club in Southsea, Hampshire, on February 28.

His team-mate Nathan Dyer also appeared in court but did not enter a plea to the same charge.

Wright-Phillips, 23, elected for his case to be heard at the Crown Court and his case was adjourned until September 2 for a committal hearing before Portsmouth magistrates.

The case against Dyer was adjourned for a further hearing before Portsmouth magistrates on July 25.

Wright-Phillips - son of former England star Ian Wright and younger half-brother of Chelsea and England player Shaun Wright-Phillips - was arrested with Dyer after staff at the nightclub reported the alleged theft.

The court heard that cash totalling £145, two mobile phones, a driving licence, two bank cards and other personal effects were allegedly stolen during the burglary.

The investigation by Hampshire police was launched after five men were filmed on CCTV entering the staff room at the seafront club.

Southampton Football Club declined to comment while the matters against the players, who both live in Briton Street, Southampton, was being investigated by the police and the case goes through the courts.

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