Former Hearts star loses coaching role after court appearance

Lee Makel is pictured leaving Jedburgh Sheriff Court
Published 29th Aug 2022

A former professional footballer has admitted threatening to kill his estranged wife during an exchange of text messages following a breakdown in their marriage.

Lee Makel - who played for Hearts - was charged with behaving in a threatening and abusive manner towards Claire Makel and her new partner Gareth Blair at Thirlestane Drive in Lauder and elsewhere between June and September 2019.

Jedburgh Sheriff Court today heard the 49-year-old, who also had coaching roles at Hibs and Sheffield United, lost his employment in England as a result of the case.

His solicitor, Jennifer Cameron, made a plea for her client to be given an absolute discharge.

She said Makel had been drinking one evening and sent messages he regrets - but added that he apologised to the complainer the following morning.

Sentence has been deferred until next month.

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