Former Aston Villa striker John Carew facing two years in prison and £45k fine after pleading guilty to fraud charges
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FORMER Aston Villa striker John Carew is facing TWO YEARS in prison and a £45,000 fine after pleading guilty to fraud charges.
The punishment was requested by the prosecution in his case at the Oslo District Court.
The prosecution insist Carew, 43, had plenty of opportunities to correct information given to the authorities, but chose not to.
Police attorney Ragna Flaekoy Skjakodegard said: "Carew has had many, many opportunities to correct the information given to the tax authorities."
However, Carew says his actions were the result of poor advice from friend, lawyer and former agent Per A. Flod.
The ex-Norway international said Flod's advice led him to not disclose income and assets from outside of his home country.
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In his most recent court appearance, Carew said: "I trusted him blindly.
"I have been convinced that he was right. He controlled me almost like a puppet.
"I understand that it is grossly negligent of me to trust him so much, but that is why I have done it."
Carew spent over 15 years as a professional footballer.
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The overwhelming majority of his earnings were made abroad, having played for the likes of Valencia, Roma, Lyon and Besiktas.
However, the ex-striker is best known for his time in England.
He played for Aston Villa for four years, West Ham for one, and spent half a season on loan at Stoke.
Carew represented his nation 91 times, scoring 24 times.
He also won Norwegian footballer of the year on three occasions.