Former Arsenal striker handed 15-month jail sentence after being caught with £3,300 worth of cocaine following high-speed police chase

The former Gunners youth player was found guilty of possessing £3,300 worth of cocaine after he was caught following a high-speed car chase in Dublin. Stokes was found in an inebriated state and had been driving at 99mph. He almost collided with another motorist while speeding after midnight on January 6, 2023. On Tuesday, he was handed a 15-month jail sentence by the Dublin District Court and banned from driving for five years, per the Daily Record.

In September the Dublin District Court judge adjourned the footballer's sentence and waited until October 8 to see if Stokes was off drugs, however, a recent test found traces of cocaine in his system. Stokes's solicitor Lorraine Stephens said the former player is "trying to battle his demons" and may require "proper residential treatment" after struggling with a drug addiction following his retirement from football. Stokes confessed to four counts of dangerous driving, driving while over the alcohol limit, unlawful possession of cocaine and having the drug for sale or supply.

The 36-year-old plied his trade at several clubs across Europe during his playing days and spent a substantial amount of time in England. He played for Arsenal as well as Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Blackburn Rovers and also spent six years at Scottish giants Celtic.

After the sentence was delivered, the ex-Ireland international lodged lodged an appeal and was granted bail. He will have to spend an additional €1,000 if he intends to challenge the jail sentence.