Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 17, 2024 5:32 am GMT
Former Republic of Ireland footballer Anthony Stokes is facing serious consequences after being sentenced to 15 months in jail for drug-related offenses. Stokes, known for his time with Celtic and Sunderland, pleaded guilty to possessing nearly €4,000 worth of cocaine intended for sale and supply.
Details of the Incident
The court proceedings revealed that Stokes was involved in a high-speed chase on January 6, 2023, where he was caught driving dangerously, reaching speeds of 100 mph (160 km/h). During this chase, he ran multiple red lights and drove under the influence of alcohol. Stokes was subjected to a patrol car pursuit initiated by Garda Radoslaw Konczewski around midnight. The chase concluded when Stokes abandoned his vehicle near Phoenix Park after a foot pursuit by the police.
- He was observed speeding on Walkinstown Avenue.
- Stokes ignored signals to stop, leading to a dangerous chase through Dublin streets.
- He almost collided with another vehicle on the Chapelizod bypass.
After Stokes’ vehicle was taken to Crumlin station, cocaine worth €3,700 was discovered inside a sock hidden in an air vent on the driver’s side. Additionally, Stokes provided a urine sample that indicated he had been drinking alcohol, exceeding the legal limit. Despite these serious charges, Gardaí described him as “fully co-operative” during the arrest.
Legal Proceedings
Stokes entered a plea of guilty to four counts of dangerous driving, along with charges of possession of illegal drugs. The court also revealed that Stokes was found with 86 illegal pills in Cabinteely shortly after the traffic incident. This particular finding aggravated his situation as he was still out on bail at the time.
During the sentencing, Judge Gráinne Malone expressed her concerns about Stokes’ behavior, noting that he could have faced a two-year sentence. However, she took his guilty pleas into account and ultimately sentenced him to one year and three months, accompanied by a five-year driving ban. The judge refused to suspend any part of the sentence despite acknowledgments of Stokes’ past as a talented athlete.
Stokes’ Struggles with Addiction
Anthony Stokes, now 36 and a father of three, has had a complicated history since his football career ended. His defense attorney, Lorraine Stephens, indicated that Stokes has been battling substance abuse issues for a long time. In court, she emphasized: “He is trying to battle his demons.” The judge noted a recent drug test indicated Stokes still had traces of cocaine in his system, which contributed to the severity of his sentence.
Stokes’ past includes:
- A prior conviction for assault causing harm in 2013.
- Previous issues with failing to appear in court.
- Having spent time in custody in another jurisdiction.
Impact on Stokes’ Future
The fall from grace for Stokes serves as a cautionary tale for many athletes. Once celebrated for his skills on the football field, he now faces significant repercussions that may alter his life and career trajectory permanently. While Stokes will serve his time in prison, he has lodged €1,000 bail and is awaiting an appeal of his sentence.
Judge Malone expressed her hope for Stokes’ rehabilitation, stating clearly that he might benefit from “proper residential treatment” for his addiction.
Conclusion
Anthony Stokes’ story shows how hard it can be to handle fame and how bad choices can lead to serious problems. As he starts his time in prison, people wonder how this will affect his life later on, both at home and in his career. We all hope he gets the help he needs to face his struggles and build a better life after he gets out.
