A professional footballer's family endured a terrifying 18-month ordeal at the hands of his own brother, who made chilling threats of rape and violence before carrying out a brutal home invasion. Dane May, 38, has been sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison for a relentless campaign of harassment against Huddersfield Town striker Alfie May, their brother Sam May, and their mother Deborah Rawlings.
Brother's reign of terror
The court heard how Dane May, a drug addict, inherited £120,000 from his late father in late 2023, which the family believed fueled his addiction. His behavior escalated into a vendetta, forcing his mother to move home and his youngest brother, League One star Alfie, to install high-tech security and devise escape plans with his wife. In one sinister message to Sam, Dane warned: "I always said you would see me on the news and on the front page of every newspaper for what I would do to prove how f***** up I really am."
Threats and surveillance
Dane subjected Sam to threats of violence up to three times a week. He flew a drone over Sam's home to check if he was lying about being away, and rammed his Ford Ranger into the front security gates. He also threatened to kill Sam and rape a young relative, bombarding him with hundreds of messages and death threats. On one occasion, he warned: "Do you not get how dangerous I am? Tonight you can die with me."
Attack on brother's home
On April 30, 2025, Dane forced his way into Sam's home in West Malling, Kent, after smashing a glass door with a paving stone. He kicked and stamped on Sam's thigh while holding the stone above his head. Sam, fearing for his life, fought back and subdued his brother, tying him up with a dressing gown cord until police arrived. Dane was heard whimpering and apologizing upon arrest.
Impact on Alfie May
Alfie May, former EFL Player of the Year, received abusive calls and threats to hurt him and his children. Dane threatened to destroy his marriage with lies and called Alfie's wife during matches. Alfie encouraged his brother to seek help but took precautions, installing cameras, alarms, and smoke deterrents at home. He told police he believed he "bore the brunt" of the abuse as the youngest sibling.
Sentencing
Judge Catherine Moore sentenced Dane to an extended 10-and-a-half-year term for public protection, stating: "It is quite clear your behavior terrorized your family members and you have left them petrified." An indefinite restraining order bans Dane from contacting the victims and from attending any football stadium where Alfie is present.
