Arrest Warrant Issued for Ex-England Striker Daniel Sturridge After Court No-Show in LA
Former England striker Daniel Sturridge is facing legal trouble in Los Angeles after failing to appear in court, resulting in an arrest warrant being issued against him. The warrant stems from a monetary dispute with an individual who claims to have played a crucial role in reuniting Sturridge with his stolen pet dog.
In July 2019, Sturridge publicly offered a reward for the safe return of his beloved Pomeranian. American rapper Foster Washington, also known as Killa Fame, came forward, asserting that he had successfully reunited Sturridge with his canine companion. However, issues arose when Sturridge failed to deliver the promised reward, leading Washington to file a civil lawsuit against the former footballer.
In December 2021, a Los Angeles court issued a default judgment, ordering Sturridge to pay Washington $30,000 (£24,400). As part of the ongoing legal proceedings, Sturridge was required to attend a debtor’s exam in the previous month to address questions about his financial situation. However, he did not show up, resulting in the issuance of a bench warrant—a summons for his arrest and appearance in court.
Washington claims to have spent over $10,000 in legal fees and expressed his determination to pursue Sturridge for the promised amount. He believes that Sturridge’s failure to respond to the legal proceedings reflects a sense of entitlement due to his wealth. Washington stated that obtaining the warrant was necessary to ensure Sturridge pays the money owed.
Thomas Scully, Washington’s attorney, condemned Sturridge’s apparent disregard for the lawsuit, stating that Sturridge has the financial means to pay his debt and hire legal representation. Scully suggested that Sturridge may feel above California courts and may continue to ignore the case. However, Scully expressed his determination to explore further legal avenues to ensure Sturridge fulfills his obligation.
Sturridge had previously shared his side of the story on social media in December 2021. He expressed gratitude to a young boy who found his dog and was rewarded, emphasizing that other individuals were attempting to benefit from the situation for their own gain. Sturridge thanked the boy once again and expressed his happiness at having his dog, named Lucci, back with his family.
Daniel Sturridge, known for his football career with Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool in the Premier League, concluded his professional journey with Perth Glory in Australia. Now, he must address the legal consequences of his failure to fulfill his financial obligation to Foster Washington.
