Former Republic of Ireland footballer Anthony Stokes has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for possession of €4,000 worth of cocaine and engaging in a high-speed car chase in Dublin.
Stokes, 36, who played for Celtic and Sunderland, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving under the influence, and possession of cocaine for sale or supply. The incident occurred on January 6, 2023, when Stokes failed to stop for gardaí and drove at speeds of up to 160km/h.
Dublin District Court heard that Stokes’s reckless driving posed a significant risk to other road users. Judge Gráinne Malone imposed a five-year driving ban and refused to suspend any of the sentence, citing the seriousness of the offences.
According to the prosecution, Stokes was observed speeding on Walkinstown Avenue at approximately 12:20 am. Despite activating patrol car lights, Stokes failed to stop and continued driving erratically, breaking multiple red lights and nearly colliding with another vehicle.
Stokes eventually abandoned his car at the closed gates of Phoenix Park and was apprehended following a short foot pursuit. A search of the vehicle revealed €3,700 worth of cocaine hidden in a sock.
Stokes’s defence solicitor, Lorraine Stephens, said her client was struggling with addiction and mental health issues following the end of his football career. Stokes had previously spoken publicly about his struggles with addiction and mental health.
The court heard that Stokes began abusing alcohol at 16 and progressed to cocaine abuse after his football career ended. He also developed gambling problems and was featured in a documentary highlighting difficulties faced by young footballers without parental supervision.
Judge Malone noted Stokes’s previous conviction for assault causing harm in 2013, which resulted in a suspended sentence and a €30,000 compensation order. Stokes also has a record of failing to appear in court and has spent time in custody in another jurisdiction.
Stokes’s girlfriend and mother were present in court, showing support. He showed no emotion as the judge delivered the sentence.
Appeal bail was set at €1,000 if Stokes intends to challenge the jail sentence. A second male is also before the courts in relation to the drug seizure.
The former football player played for teams like Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, Celtic, and Blackburn Rovers.
Image Credit: INPHO/Ryan Byrne