Anthony Stokes, former Arsenal and Celtic striker, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after being discovered with nearly £3,300 worth of cocaine during a risky car chase.
Stokes was stopped by police in Dublin shortly after midnight on January 6, 2023, after a chase at 100 mph. After failing to stop at red lights, he nearly collided with another driver and was determined to be over the legal limit for drinking and driving without insurance. Reported By Mirror.
In addition, the 36-year-old pleaded guilty to carrying 86 illicit street tablets in another instance. On Tuesday, Judge Grainne Malone of Dublin District Court sentenced him to one year and three months in prison and imposed a five-year driving prohibition.
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Solicitor Lorraine Stephens defended Stokes, saying he “is trying to battle his demons” after previously denying his cocaine and alcohol addiction after retiring from football in 2020. Sentencing had been postponed last month while Judge Malone waited for evidence that Stokes was drug-free, but traces of cocaine were still present in his system.
The father of three was backed in court by his girlfriend and mother, and he expressed no emotion after being punished. Stokes pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated, four charges of reckless driving, and unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply. He also admitted to not having a valid driver’s license or insurance.
Stokes has a past conviction for assault causing bodily harm in 2013, which resulted in a suspended sentence and a £25,000 reparation order.
The ex-striker started his football career with Arsenal after arriving from Dublin as a child.
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