Former Republic of Ireland footballer Anthony Stokes has had his conviction for drug dealing, drunk driving, and dangerous driving overturned by the District Appeals Court today.
In January 2023, Stokes was caught driving at speeds between 140 and 160 km/h while under the influence. He failed to stop for gardaí and ran multiple red lights during a police chase that ended at Phoenix Park.
Following the chase, gardaí discovered €3,700 worth of cocaine hidden in Stokes' car, with DNA evidence linking it to him. He admitted to possessing the drug for sale or supply.
Stokes pleaded guilty to driving over the alcohol limit, dangerous driving, and lacking a driving license and insurance. He was also found with 86 street tablets days later in an attempt to "detoxify" from cocaine.
The former Ireland player received a 15-month prison sentence for these charges, but today some of the charges have been overturned on appeal. The District Appeals Court suspended his prison sentence and imposed community service, but the five-year driving ban remains intact.
#Breaking The 36-year-old footballer was sentenced to fifteen months in prison last month, and banned from driving for five years after he was caught driving at 160km an hour and with €3,700 worth of cocaine in his possessionhttps://t.co/9wPvV9S2YI
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 14, 2024
RTE, who were present at the court, reported that Stokes had "exceptional talent" and had signed for Arsenal at 14 but found it very difficult when he retired and developed a cocaine addiction.
The judge in the case, Judge Jonathan Dunphy, noted "exceptional circumstances" and stated that Stokes was now drug-free. He described Stokes as "someone who has a lot to offer once he sorts out his difficulties," but he warned the 36-year-old that breaching the order would trigger a lengthy sentence.
Stokes began his senior career with Arsenal and went on to play for clubs including Falkirk, Sunderland, Hibernian (three separate stints), Celtic, Blackburn Rovers, Apollon Smyrni, Iranian clubs Tractor and Persepolis, and Turkish club Adana Demirspor, before returning to Scotland with Livingston.
Stokes also represented the Republic of Ireland at the under-21 level and earned nine caps for the senior team between 2007 and 2014.
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