Laura Downes, 44, a former football administration manager for Stirling Albion, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to embezzling £10,000 from the Scottish League Two club. The offence occurred on October 1, 2024, at Forthbank Stadium in Stirling, while Downes was an employee of the club, known as The Binos.
Court Proceedings
At Stirling Sheriff Court, Downes spoke only to confirm her guilty plea and her name. Sheriff Keith O’Mahony deferred sentence for the preparation of 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 cuff. She was ordered to reappear on August 5.
Downes, of St Ninians, Stirling, had no previous convictions, the court heard. Sheriff O’Mahony told her: “The social work department will be in contact with you. Make sure you co-operate with them.”
No Details of Embezzlement
No details were provided in court regarding how Downes embezzled the money or what she spent it on. The prosecution is expected to narrate the facts at the August hearing. Leaving court, Downes covered her face to avoid a Press photographer and ignored questions about whether she had any comment for Binos fans. A spokesperson for Stirling Albion declined to comment, stating it was a live ongoing case.
