Thierry Nevers, 23, was jailed for three years after making rap videos about his life of crime and posting them on social media. The former West Ham academy player had spells at Reading, Bradford and clubs abroad
20:26, 08 Dec 2025
Thierry Nevers, 23, was jailed
A former Premier League footballer who boasted about drug dealing on Instagram has been jailed. Thierry Nevers, 23, was caught out after making rap videos about his criminal lifestyle and sharing them on social media.
Before descending into the world of drugs, Nevers signed a three-year contract with West Ham United’s academy in 2021. The gifted winger also had loan stints at Reading, Newport County and Bradford City.
In January of last year, Nevers made a move to Moldovan Super Liga club Sheriff Tiraspol. By July, Croatian Football League club NK Varaždin announced they had snapped up Nevers.
But in an unfortunate twist of fate, last Friday (December 5), Nevers was put behind bars alongside drug dealer Allan Barrass, 50, after they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs
Nevers was put behind bars alongside drug dealer Allan Barrass, 50
Barrass, from Dorrington, Lincs. , also confessed to possession of a sawn-off shotgun.
Nevers received a three-year sentence while Barrass was handed a 10-year stretch. Lincoln Crown Court heard that Nevers was frequently travelling from Dorrington to the Reading area.
Police grew suspicious that the duo were involved in drug dealing and swooped on Barrass’ residence. Dramatic bodycam footage captured the moment Barrass was apprehended by armed police as he drove to his home on August 6.
Dramatic bodycam footage captured the moment Barrass was apprehended by armed police as he drove to his home on August 6
A search of his property revealed a loaded sawn-off shotgun with two cartridges in a bag in his bedroom. Officers also confiscated 40 grams of cocaine, cash totalling £5,860 and an array of weapons.
They discovered a lock knife beneath the mattress; an extendable baton on a table in the entrance hall and a baseball bat beside his bed.
Cannabis plants were also discovered cultivating in the garage. Analysis of mobile phones revealed communication between Barrass and Nevers and proof of them peddling drugs.
Detective Sergeant Adam Petty, of Lincolnshire Police, said: “Drugs have a terrible impact on our communities and will never be tolerated.
“As well as the suffering caused to users, drug dealing brings violence and an uplift in theft offences, and often, as is seen in this case, the possession of dangerous weapons.”
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