Former Arsenal youngster caught with €3,700 of cocaine after high-speed police chase | OneFootball

Former Republic of Ireland footballer and ex-Arsenal youngster, Anthony Stokes, has once again found himself in legal trouble after being caught with nearly €4,000 worth of cocaine in his car.

The incident occurred following a high-speed police chase in Dublin that reached speeds of up to 160km/h. The chase took place in the early hours of January 6, 2023, and also resulted in multiple dangerous driving charges for the 36-year-old, who was also found to be over the legal alcohol limit.

Celtic’s forward of Ireland Anthony Stokes gestures in front of Referee Wolfgang Stark during the Champions League football match AC Milan vs Celtic Glagow on September 18, 2013 at San Siro Stadium in Milan. (Photo credit GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

This week, Stokes, who began his football career in Arsenal’s youth system, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to unlawful possession of cocaine, possession for sale or supply, and dangerous driving. The court heard how the drug, valued at €3,700, was hidden inside a sock in the air vent on the driver’s side of his car. His DNA was later confirmed to be on the sock.

Judge Grainne Malone has adjourned sentencing until October 1 to allow for a treatment report to determine if Stokes is now drug-free. Garda Radoslaw Konczewski, who testified in court, recalled the pursuit that lasted around 10 minutes, during which Stokes broke multiple red lights, endangered pedestrians, and narrowly avoided a collision.

The former Arsenal player also admitted to driving without a licence and without insurance, adding to his list of offences. His solicitor, Lorraine Stephens, pleaded with the judge not to jail him, citing his responsibilities as a father of three and the fact that Stokes is making efforts to combat his addiction.

Stokes’ troubled past and Arsenal connection

Stokes was signed by Arsenal at the age of 14 from Cherry Orchard Football Club in Dublin. Although he didn’t make an impact on Arsenal’s senior squad, he went on to have a reasonably successful career at clubs like Sunderland and Celtic. However, his time on the pitch has often been overshadowed by his off-field issues, including a history of legal troubles and struggles with alcohol and cocaine addiction.

Stokes’ current charges follow a series of previous run-ins with the law. Earlier in 2024, he was sentenced to five months in jail for breaching a court order that prohibited him from contacting his ex-girlfriend, Eilidh Scott.

This was just one of many instances where Stokes has demonstrated a pattern of troubling behaviour.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas arrested over drug smuggling

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 26: Arsenal Youth Head Coach Steve Bould and Captain Jay Emmanuel Thomas celebrate winning the FA Youth Cup during the second leg of the FA Youth Cup final sponsored by E.ON, between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on May 26, 2009 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, another former Arsenal youngster, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, also found himself facing serious drug charges. Emmanuel-Thomas was recently arrested on suspicion of orchestrating the importation of cannabis worth £600,000 from Bangkok into the UK.

The 33-year-old was taken into custody from his home in Gourock, near Glasgow, and has since been charged with drug smuggling. He was denied bail and remanded into custody.

Following his arrest, his contract with Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton was terminated with immediate effect.

Emmanuel-Thomas and two women, one of whom is reportedly his partner, were detained after law enforcement discovered 60kg of cannabis hidden in suitcases at Stansted Airport.

Emmanuel-Thomas has “strenuously denied” the allegations through his lawyer, Nathaniel Gadsby.

Both women have been released on bail.