Ex-footballer’s fall from grace

Aug 13 2007 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

FORMER Everton FC star Mark Ward is now tending to the graveyard of a church on day release from prison, it emerged last night.

Ward, 44, was found guilty of possession of £645,000 worth of cocaine and equipment and sentenced to eight years in 2005. As part of his sentence he is allowed out of Kirkham open prison in central Lancashire one day a week.

He goes to St John the Evangelist in Clifton, Lancashire where he helps mow the lawns and rake grass in the graveyard.

It is understood he does other community work.

Last night church warden Alan Wiggans said: “I have spoken to him a couple of times but I don’t know that much about him.”

He said the former midfield star appeared in good health and spirits.

Ward also turned out for Northwich Victoria, Oldham Athletic, West Ham United, and Manchester City during his career.

A police raid on a house rented by Ward found “a drugs factory” and paperwork naming Ward as the sole tenant.

Ward was described in court as a “foot soldier”. He could probably have secured a lesser sentence by naming names, but he did not.

He said: “I feel ashamed I got involved and embarrassed at the stigma. I did something against all my principles.”