Former Republic of Ireland international Anthony Stokes was apprehended with nearly €4,000 worth of cocaine after leading gardaí on a high-speed chase in south Dublin on January 6, 2023.
During a court hearing in Dublin, it was revealed that Stokes, the ex-Celtic and Sunderland forward, was recorded driving at speeds of up to 160 km/h and nearly colliding with another vehicle. The incident occurred shortly after midnight, with Garda Radoslaw Konczewski detailing the reckless driving that caught police attention.
Stokes was driving on Walkinstown Avenue around 12:20 AM when the officer activated his patrol lights. However, Stokes failed to stop and continued through the Long Mile Road junction, entering at speed while running a red light. His reckless driving continued onto Naas Road, where he broke another red light at a major intersection, before further violating pedestrian traffic signals as he traveled down Ballyfermot Road and Kennelsfort Road Upper.
Eventually, Stokes abandoned the vehicle at the closed gates of Phoenix Park, but a brief foot chase led to his capture. Upon retrieving the car, gardaí discovered cocaine valued at €3,700 hidden in a sock placed in the air vent on the driver’s side; Stokes’ DNA was found on the sock as well.
Additionally, Stokes provided a urine sample indicating he had exceeded the legal alcohol limit, with a concentration of 59 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of urine. He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine and possession of the drug with intent to sell or supply.
Judge Gráinne Malone adjourned sentencing for the 36-year-old to allow for a treatment report to confirm that he is no longer using drugs. Stokes also admitted to not producing a driving license and lacking motor insurance, adding to the gravity of his offenses.
Credit: Joe
