'Fake' Chelsea footballer jailed for posing as Gael Kakuta

A failed footballer who posed as a Chelsea star to live a Premier League lifestyle has been jailed.

Manchester Crown Court heard Medi Abalimba went on a £20,000 shopping spree at Selfridges, stayed at top hotels and even hired a helicopter.

The player, who joined Derby County in 2009 for more than £1m but whose career failed to progress, masqueraded as France youth international Gael Kakuta.
Medi Abalimba, 25, admitted multiple frauds and was sentenced to four years.
Abalimba, of Burton Street, London, phoned venues claiming to be the agent of Chelsea winger Gael Kakuta before turning up posing as the player.
The court was told he would ring a venue advising of the imminent arrival of an elite sport star, requesting discretion and paying for goods with stolen credit card details.
In June 2014, he visited a Manchester nightclub and ordered £2,600 worth of champagne while claiming he left his wallet in a limousine.