Injury during match in prison led keen footballer to return to crime

A keen footballer claimed he returned to a life of crime because of an injury he picked up during a match inside a jail.

Ryan Guminski, 33, had planned to sign up with the Street Soccer project to try to kick-start his rehabilitation from a criminal lifestyle.

Dundee Sheriff Court was told yesterday he picked up an injury during a match inside Perth Prison which became infected and left him unable to play.

Guminski developed bacterial skin infection cellulitis and his leg became dramatically swollen, which meant he was unable to start Street Soccer.

His solicitor, Theo Finlay, told the court Guminski quickly became demotivated and returned to taking drugs.

Guminski, of Hilltown Court, Dundee, admitted having a knife in the city’s High Street on March 18. He was jailed for eight months yesterday.

Fiscal depute Gavin Burton told the court security staff at the Overgate shopping centre spotted Guminski acting suspiciously, so they monitored his movements on CCTV.

They spotted a knife tucked into his waistband and called the police. A search of nearby bins was carried out and the large folding knife was recovered.

Mr Finlay said: “He is an individual who has had difficulties with drug problems for some time. It is accepted he has a bad record.

“His leg was grossly swollen. It was a problem for quite some time. It meant he was unable to take up the opportunity to play football and stay out of trouble.

“His resolve was weakened and he resorted to drug misuse shortly afterwards.

All being well, it is his intention to get involved in this activity (Street Soccer) in future.”

Ryan Guminski, from Dundee, was jailed for eight months after admitting having a knife in the city’s High Street.