STOKES COCAINE CASE THROWN OUT OF COURT
Related driving charges stay for ex-celtic ace
CHARGES of cocaine dealing and possession have been struck out against Anthony Stokes over delays in analysis of a seizure allegedly worth €4,500 last year.
The former Celtic star appeared again before Judge Paula Murphy at Dublin District Court yesterday.
She said there was “no point in keeping this live” but gardai were granted liberty to re-enter the proceedings when the drug analysis was completed. Related driving charges are to proceed.
Gardai arrested the ex-striker on January 6, 2023, following alleged driving incidents in Dublin and brought him to Crumlin station.
They had charged the 35-year-old with offences under the Misuse of Drugs and
Road Traffic Acts.
He was accused of unlawful possession of cocaine and having it for sale or supply.
He has four counts of dangerous drivingin a manner, including speed, at Walkinstown Avenue Walkinstown/long Mile Road junction, Kennelsfort Road in Upper Ballyfermot, Ballyfermot Road and Walkinstown Avenue.
The former Sunderland star is also accused of not having a driving licence or motor insurance at Knockmaroon Road, Castleknock, Dublin, on the same date, and failing to produce them
MAN & BHOY Celtic star Stokes at a Garda station within 10 days. Dublin District Court had heard that the suspected value of the alleged seizure was €4,500, and last year, the case had been adjourned for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions to be obtained.
Following submissions from defence solicitor Lorraine Stephens in December, Judge Murphy had agreed to mark the case “peremptory against the State”. The solicitor had said her client had privately retained her, and the case “goes back some time” and was awaiting a forensic certificate of analysis.
The case resumed yesterday when Judge Murphy noted that directions were unavailable because the certificate of analysis was still outstanding.
The alleged drug seizure had been sent to Forensic Science Ireland, which carries out testing and provides certificates of analysis for the criminal justice system.
The judge heard the investigating garda “made numerous attempts to contact them, but there is still no certificate”.
Stokes did not address the court and had not entered a plea to the cocaine allegations.
The judge adjourned the remaining charges until March.