Anthony Stokes Handed Jail Sentence

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]

Anthony Stokes, a former striker for Celtic, Sunderland, and Hibs, was given a 15-month prison sentence for a string of violent offenses in Dublin.
During the late-night incident on January 6, 2023, Stokes, who was over the legal alcohol limit, drove at a frightening pace of 160 km/h and just avoided colliding with another vehicle. In the aftermath of the car chase, which happened just after midnight, officials found cocaine in his hands valued at about €4,000.
Given the gravity of Stokes’ crimes, Dublin District Court Judge Gráinne Malone declined to postpone any portion of the sentence.

His defense became even more complicated after he recently failed a drug test. Furthermore, just 10 days of the traffic collision in Cabinteely, south County Dublin, Stokes had entered a guilty plea to the charge of carrying 86 illicit street tablets. This new crime was recognized as an aggravating element by the court.
Given his career highs, which included leading Hibs to a historic Scottish Cup victory and winning numerous Scottish league titles and Scottish Cups with Celtic, Stokes’ fall from grace has been a difficult one.

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