Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 2935Possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine for sale or supply, dangerous driving (four counts), drink driving, driving without licence, driving without insurance, possession of street tablets · Co. Dublin · 6 Jan 2023

Former Ireland footballer Anthony Stokes avoids jail on appeal over cocaine seizure and car chase

Anthony Stokes, 36, a former Republic of Ireland international footballer, had his 15-month prison sentence for cocaine possession and dangerous driving suspended in its entirety on appeal at Dublin District Court, receiving probation supervision and 240 hours of community service instead, after Judge Jonathan Dunphy cited 'exceptional circumstances' and his now drug-free status.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced14 Nov
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
16 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatStokes drove at an estimated 160km/h and nearly collided with another motorist (irishtimes.com)
  • whatStokes was over the legal alcohol limit at the time (irishtimes.com)
  • whatGardaí recovered €3,700 worth of cocaine from a 2014-registered Volkswagen Golf (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe incident occurred shortly after midnight on 6 January 2023 (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe street tablets were found 10 days after the traffic pursuit (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeStokes pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine hidden in a sock and having the drug for sale or supply (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeStokes admitted driving while over the alcohol limit and four counts of dangerous driving during the pursuit from Naas Road to Phoenix Park (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeStokes admitted not producing a driving licence and not having motor insurance (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeStokes admitted possessing 86 illegal street tablets in Cabinteely, south Co Dublin (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe appeal was heard by Judge Jonathan Dunphy (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceStokes originally received a 15-month sentence with a five-year road ban at Dublin District Court on 8 October (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe prison term was suspended entirely, with probation supervision and 240 hours of community service imposed (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe driving disqualification was left in place (irishtimes.com)
  • otherAt the original sentence hearing Stokes still tested positive for drugs, but on appeal a clean urine analysis was shown (irishtimes.com)
  • otherStokes had one prior conviction in this jurisdiction for assault causing harm in 2013 resulting in a suspended sentence and compensation order (irishtimes.com)
  • otherStokes also had a conviction from Scotland for a minor road traffic offence (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 14 Nov2024
    Sentencedirishtimes.com, follow-up
    Former Ireland footballer Anthony Stokes avoids jail over cocaine seizure and car chase appeal

    Appeal hearing on 14 November 2024 where the original 15-month sentence was suspended in full and replaced with probation and 240 hours of community service; driving disqualification retained.

    convicted, Anthony Stokes, 36, male, named, irish (judged from name)Anthony Stokes