Former Celt sent offensive texts to ex-partner’s dad
FORMER Celtic star Anthony Stokes has admitted bombarding his exgirlfriend’s father with offensive text messages.
The striker, 32, messaged Eilidh Scott’s father George despite being under a court order banning him from making contact.
The messages contained inappropriate and offensive remarks about his daughter. Stokes also repeatedly telephoned Miss Scott’s mother Rachel.
A police investigation led to him being arrested at Gatwick Airport by armed police as he returned from a trip to Dubai.
Stokes, of Glasgow, has now appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court and admitted breaching the conditions of a non-harassment order between November 2019 and February 2020.
He had been due to stand trial next month but the case was brought forward after his lawyer struck a deal with prosecutors.
His not guilty plea to allegations he repeatedly sent emails and messages to Miss Scott between November and December 2019 was accepted. Depute fiscal Andrew Neilson asked for a further non-harassment order to be granted keeping him away from Miss Scott and her parents.
He had previously only been allowed to contact his former partner if she initiated it to discuss childcare arrangements.
Sheriff Peter Anderson deferred sentence on Stokes until next month for reports and continued the Irish footballer’s bail.
He added: ‘You would be behaving more than recklessly if you should contact any of these three people while on bail.’