Former Arsenal and Celtic star Anthony Stokes given prison sentence after 'nearly €4,000 of cocaine... (original) (raw)

Former Republic of Ireland footballer Anthony Stokes has been handed a 15-month jail sentence over a seizure of almost €4,000 worth of cocaine and a high-speed car chase in Dublin.

The ex-Celtic and Sunderland player, who was over the alcohol limit, drove at 160kph and nearly collided with another motorist shortly after midnight on January 6, 2023.

He was jailed by Judge Gráinne Malone at Dublin District Court yesterday after it emerged he failed a recent drug test.

The retired footballer also entered an additional guilty plea to possessing 86 illegal street tablets in Cabinteely, south Dublin, about ten days after the traffic pursuit – which the judge regarded to be an aggravating factor – and she refused to suspend any of the sentence.

Stokes, of Summerhill Place, Dublin 1, supported in court by his girlfriend and mother, showed no emotion as the judge jailed him and imposed a five-year driving ban. However, he lodged €1,000 and was released on appeal bail shortly after the judge imposed the sentence.

Former Republic of Ireland footballer Anthony Stokes has been handed a 15-month jail sentence over a seizure of almost €4,000 worth of cocaine and a high-speed car chase in Dublin

The ex-Celtic player, who was over the alcohol limit, drove at 160kph and nearly collided with another motorist in January 2023

Last month, Judge Malone had adjourned sentencing Stokes, 36, until yesterday for a treatment report to prove he is off drugs, but it found he still had traces of cocaine in his system.

Defence solicitor Lorraine Stephens said her client is young, fit, and healthy and asked the judge to consider a community service order.

Ms Stephens said father-of-three Stokes had been in denial about his problems, 'is trying to battle his demons', and could need intensive psychological assistance and 'proper residential treatment'.

Judge Malone said Stokes could have faced up to two years' imprisonment. However, she gave him credit for his guilty pleas and imposed sentences totalling one year and three months.

Finalising the case, she noted the evidence about the nature of his driving, the speed and length of the chase, the fact he was uninsured, and the low alcohol reading. She added that the drug offences were very serious.

Stokes pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine hidden in a sock, and having the drug for sale or supply.

At his previous hearing, the judge heard how his drink issues spiralled into cocaine addiction when his football career ended.

Stokes admitted driving while over the alcohol limit and four counts of dangerous driving during the pursuit from the Naas Road to the Phoenix Park. The ex-Premier League star also admitted not producing a driving licence and not having motor insurance.

He was jailed by Judge Gráinne Malone after pleading guilty to possessing 86 illegal street tablets, unlawful possession of cocaine, and having the drug for sale or supply

Dublin District Court (seen) heard Stokes also provided a urine sample, which was over the alcohol limit, but he was 'fully cooperative' and 'he was a pleasure to deal with'

Garda Radoslaw Konczewski recalled observing the ex-footballer speeding on Walkinstown Avenue, at around 12.20am.

The officer activated his patrol car lights but Stokes failed to stop and continued to the Long Mile Road junction, 'which he entered at speed, breaking a red light'.

Stokes drove to the Naas Road, broke another red light at a major junction and continued to Ballyfermot Road, breaking two pedestrian red lights and one at a junction.

He continued to Kennelsfort Road Upper, broke another red light, and 'almost collided with a car on the Chapelizod bypass'.

The accused, who had a passenger in the car, went to Knockmaroon Road and stopped at the closed gates of the Phoenix Park. Stokes abandoned the vehicle but was caught following a short foot pursuit.

The car chase lasted about 10 minutes. Garda Konczewski estimated Stokes reached a speed of 160kph at some stages and around 140kph when he drove through Ballyfermot village.

Gardaí brought his car to Crumlin Garda Station. Cocaine worth €3,700 (roughly £3,100) was found in wraps inside a sock, kept in the air vent on the driver's side. His DNA was also found on the sock.

The court heard he also provided a urine sample, which was over the alcohol limit, but he was 'fully cooperative' and 'he was a pleasure to deal with'.

Stokes had one prior conviction in this jurisdiction for assault causing harm in 2013, which resulted in a suspended sentence and a €30,000 compensation order.

The judge noted he also had a record of failing to turn up to court and has spent time in custody in another jurisdiction, but details about that were not available.

Ms Stephens said he had been a talented footballer scouted at 14 from Cherry Orchard Football Club in Dublin by Arsenal in London.

Defence solicitor Lorraine Stephens said the way the former Sunderland star reacted badly to the end of his career, at which point he was abusing cocaine

He began playing for Sunderland when he was 17 and went on to more success with Celtic in the Scottish league. However, he had laboured under addiction from a young age.

His adoptive parents moved over to the UK with him to help him pursue his dreams, but after he turned 16, he began abusing alcohol. That problem progressed at the end of his career to cocaine abuse, which he was 'heavily using at the time of this incident'.

The court also heard he reacted badly to the end of his career. The defence said Stokes also had gambling problems and had featured in a documentary highlighting mental health difficulties for up-and-coming footballers without parental supervision.

Another man is also before the courts in relation to the drug seizure.