Anthony Stokes, 36, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after a high-speed car chase in Dublin in January 2023 saw him caught with almost £3,300 worth of cocaine
09:24, 09 Oct 2024Updated 09:25, 09 Oct 2024
Former Arsenal and Celtic striker Anthony Stokes has been given a 15-month prison sentence after being caught with nearly £3,300 worth of cocaine following a dangerous car chase.
Stokes was pulled over by police in Dublin shortly after midnight on January 6, 2023 following a chase at 100mph. After ignoring red lights, he nearly collided with another motorist and was found to be over the alcohol limit, as well driving without insurance.
The 36-year-old also entered an additional guilty plea to possessing 86 illegal street tablets in a separate incident. He was sentenced by Judge Grainne Malone at Dublin District Court to one year and three months in prison and handed a five-year driving ban on Tuesday.
Defending Stokes, solicitor Lorraine Stephens said he "is trying to battle his demons" having previously been in denial about his addiction to cocaine and alcohol since he retired from playing football in 2020. Sentencing had been adjourned last month with Judge Malone waiting to see proof that Stokes was drug-free, but traces of cocaine were still found in his system.
The father of three was supported in court by his girlfriend and mother and showed no emotion after being sentenced. Stokes admitted driving while over the alcohol limit, four counts of dangerous driving, as well as to unlawful possession of cocaine and having the drug for sale or supply. He also admitted not producing a driving licence and to not being insured.
He was only caught after a terrifying 10-minute car chase, which ended when he found the gates of Phoenix Park closed. Stokes tried to flee on foot but was caught by police. Cocaine worth €3,700 (£3,300) was found in wraps in a sock in the air vent of the car he was driving.
Stokes had one prior conviction for assault causing harm in 2013, which resulted in a suspended sentence and a £25,000 compensation order.
The ex-striker began his football career at Arsenal after moving from Dublin as a youngster. He went on to play for Sunderland and Hibernian before the most successful period of his career came in six years at Celtic, where he helped win four Scottish Premiership titles. Stokes earned nine caps for the Republic of Ireland between 2007 and 2014.
After a nomadic period, which saw him play in Greece, Iran and Turkey, he retired in 2020. According to his defence, that is when he developed a problem with alcohol and drugs.