Anthony Stokes Handed Jail Sentence

Former Celtic, Sunderland and Hibs striker Anthony Stokes has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after a series of serious offences in Dublin.

The 36-year-old, well-known to Celtic fans for his time at the club, was found guilty of drug possession and dangerous driving following a high-speed pursuit earlier this year. [Irish Times]

Stokes, who was over the alcohol limit, drove at an alarming speed of 160km/h, narrowly avoiding a collision with another vehicle during the late-night incident on January 6th, 2023. The car chase, which took place shortly after midnight, ended with authorities discovering nearly €4,000 worth of cocaine in his possession.

Judge Gráinne Malone, presiding over the case at Dublin District Court, refused to suspend any part of the sentence, citing the seriousness of Stokes’ actions.

A recent failed drug test added further complications to his defence. On top of this, Stokes had pleaded guilty to possessing 86 illegal street tablets in Cabinteely, south Co. Dublin, just ten days after the traffic incident. This additional offence was viewed as an aggravating factor by the court.

Stokes’ fall from grace has been a hard one, particularly given his career highs, which include winning multiple Scottish league titles and Scottish Cups with Celtic and helping Hibs to a historic Scottish Cup final win.

UPDATE: Anthony has posted €1000 Bail and has been released pending appeal.