Greg Rutherford’s former manager admits fleecing Olympic gold medallist out of almost £50,000 to fund gambling addiction

The former manager of Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford fleeced the long jumper out of more than £48,000 to fund his gambling addiction.

Gaby Stone, 34, pocketed sponsorship and appearance fees from the London 2012 hero and former Strictly Come Dancing star to feed his habit.

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The manager - who has also represented gymnastics champion Louis Smith and two-time gold medallist boxer Nicola Adams - appeared in court today and admitted fraud.
Stone was a director and company secretary of GSE Management and looked after Rutherford's commercial opportunities, Blackfriars Crown Court heard.

Max Hardy, prosecuting, said: "Mr Stone was Mr Rutherford's manager for a number of years having been introduced to him in 2009.

"The contractual relationship was that Mr Stone sourced contractual protects for Mr Rutherford to be involved."

In return Stone, of Edware Road, Marylebone, would receive 20 per cent of the earnings, while 80 per cent would go to the track and field star, the court heard.

"In 2014 a time came when Mr Stone was receiving payments for some commercial activities but he was not making payment to Mr Rutherford for sums owed to him," said Mr Hardy.

The last payment made by Stone to Rutherford was in September 2014 - but he continued to rake in money until August 2015, the court heard.

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Mr Hardy said: "Prior to 2014 he accepts that he behaved recklessly in regards to contractual obligations but after October 2014 it became dishonest."

He said Stone owed Rutherford £63,403, but said there was a time when "recklessness became dishonesty therefore it was criminal conduct".

Mr Hardy said: "It is in no dispute that Mr Stone had, for some time, a serious gambling problem."

Dressed in a tie, dark grey jumper and black jeans, Stone spoke only to answer his name and admit once charge of fraud.

He was initially charged with swiping £63,000 but the prosecution accepted the lower figure of £48,488.

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Sentencing was adjourned to allow Stone an opportunity to pay Mr Rutherford back and for the total loss to be clarified.

Defending,  Julia Flanagan said he plans on paying four fifths of the money back before he is sentenced.

Rutherford shot to fame after taking the gold at London 2012 and setting the British record for the long jump.

He was unable to repeat the feat at the Rio de Janeiro games last year where he won bronze.

Rutherford appeared in last year's Strictly Come Dancing, following the footsteps of Stone's other client Louis Smith.

Adjourning the case Judge Jane Sullivan said: "It is a serious matter, the starting point of an offence of this nature and the most likely outcome is immediate custody, it is only right you should know that."

Stone - who holds a degree in sport sciences from Loughborough University - was bailed to return to court for sentencing on March 6.

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