Laura Downes, a former football administration manager at Stirling Albion FC, has admitted embezzling £10,000 from the Scottish League Two club. The 44-year-old, from St Ninians, Stirling, entered a guilty plea at Stirling Sheriff Court on July 7, 2026.
Court Proceedings
Downes appeared in the dock, shifting nervously as she confirmed her name and guilty plea. The single charge states she committed the offence on October 1, 2024, while employed by the club. Sheriff Keith O'Mahony deferred sentence for a criminal justice social work report and an assessment of Downes' suitability for a restriction of liberty order, which would require her to remain at home during specified hours, monitored by an electronic ankle tag.
Downes has no previous convictions. Her solicitor, Ken Dalling, did not oppose the deferral. She is due to reappear on August 5, 2026. The sheriff instructed her to cooperate with the social work department.
Details and Impact
No details were provided in court about how Downes embezzled the money or what she spent it on. The prosecution will present the facts at the August hearing. Leaving court, Downes covered her face to avoid photographers and ignored questions from reporters, including whether she had anything to say to Stirling Albion fans. A club spokesperson declined to comment, citing the ongoing case.
Stirling Albion, known as The Binos, play at Forthbank Stadium. The embezzlement has raised concerns among fans and officials, though the club has not disclosed any additional security measures.
