Former Albion player Ronnie Wallwork faces further jail term
Troubled former Albion player Ronnie Wallwork is facing a second jail term after admitting stealing a car.
Wallwork admitted one charge of theft at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court and was warned by the judge he could face prison.
Wallwork, of from Failsworth, near Oldham, walked into the dock wearing a suit and tie and spoke only to confirm his name and personal details.
The 36-year-old, who played more than 90 times for Albion during his stint at the club, pleaded guilty to a single charge of theft involving an Audi A4 on September 21, 2010, belonging to car finance company Money Barn PLC.
Judge Andrew Lowcock said: "You should not read anything into the fact that I am granting you bail. All options, including custody, will be considered."
Wallwork also made headlines in 2007 when he was viciously stabbed outside a Manchester city centre nightclub in a row over a girlfriend.
Nicholas Flanagan, defending Wallwork, described the theft case as unusual.
He said Wallwork had pleaded guilty on a basis and said that the Audi A4, registration number DA08 BAW, had been 'lawfully leased and paid for by Wallwork' but between September 21, 2010 and January 2011 he 'dishonestly took it from the leaseholders'.
The court heard that Wallwork had made repayments of around £22,000 on the car before the contract came into dispute and police were alerted.
Wallwork was released on unconditional bail and will return to the same court for sentence on July 3.
He made his debut for United at the age of 20 in 1997 and earned a Premier League winners' medal for the 2000-01.
He moved to West Bromwich in 2002 and made 93 appearances but was sent on a succession of loans as he failed to make an impact.
