According to a report from the Daily Record, which was also covered by Goal, former Arsenal striker Anthony Stokes has received a 15-month prison sentence after being caught with £3,300 worth of cocaine.
Stokes, who also played for Scottish Premiership side Celtic, was convicted of drug possession following a high-speed car chase in Dublin. At the time, he was driving at 99 mph and nearly collided with another vehicle. This incident occurred in the early hours of January 6, 2023.
Last month, the Dublin District Court judge postponed his sentencing until October 8 to assess whether Stokes would test negative for drug use. However, a recent drug test revealed traces of cocaine in his system, leading to his 15-month sentence and a five-year driving ban on the same day.
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Stokes’s solicitor, Lorraine Stephens, stated that the former player is “trying to battle his demons” and may need “proper residential treatment” for his drug addiction following his retirement from football.
In addition to the drug possession charge, Stokes pleaded guilty to four counts of dangerous driving, driving while over the legal alcohol limit, and unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to supply.
The 36-year-old, who had a career that included stints at Arsenal, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Blackburn Rovers, and six years at Celtic, is facing significant legal consequences for his actions.