Former Elgin City and Buckie Thistle player Ceiran McLean accepts plea deal

A former footballer has admitted acting “recklessly” while operating his training business and now plans to repay nearly £11,000 to customers.

Ceiran McLean, who previously played for Elgin City and Buckie Thistle, pled guilty to breaching consumer protection laws on the morning of his scheduled trial at Elgin Sheriff Court today.

The 33-year-old admitted that, between June 15, 2021 and August 11, 2022, he had acted “recklessly” by selling “sponsored football training packages”, in a manner likely to “materially distort” the average consumer’s behaviour.

Asked by Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov if he was pleading guilty, McLean replied: “Yes, that is correct.”

As part of a deal, fiscal depute Victoria Silver confirmed, not guilty pleas had been accepted for 18 fraud charges against the defendant.

However, the court heard that McLean will have to pay compensation to those impacted - with the current total sitting at £10,686.66.

Former semi-professional footballer McLean began his playing career with Elgin City, rising through the youth ranks to join the first team at SPFL level.

After six years at the club, he joined Buckie Thistle where he won the Highland League title in 2017.

Solicitor Matthew O’Neill said McLean, whose address was listed in court documents as Inchbroom Avenue, Lossiemouth, was currently in employment and had drawn up plans to raise the cash necessary for the repayment.

Sheriff Pasportnikov said that, along with compensation, further punishment “ought to be” imposed.

She deferred McLean’s sentencing for four weeks for the preparation of a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment.

The sheriff also encouraged him to start saving money for the repayment ahead of his next court appearance.

He is set to appear again on Thursday, June 5.