COKE SHAME CAR CHASE STAR SPARED JAIL TERM

Judge told ex-Celts ace is off drugs

- TOM TUITE

FORMER Celtic star Anthony Stokes has had his jail term quashed after a high-speed chase led to a cocaine seizure.

The former Irish international striker, who was over the alcohol limit, drove at an estimated 100mph and nearly collided with another motorist shortly after midnight in January 2023.

Irish Police recovered £3000 worth of cocaine from the 2014-reg Volkswagen Golf after he finally came to a halt.

Stokes originally received a 15-month sentence with a five-year road ban at Dublin District Court on October 8.

But yesterday he walked free on a suspended sentence and a community service order after a judge ruled he was now drug-free.

Judge Jonathan Dunphy said there were "exceptional circumstances" as he overturned the jail term.

He said: "This is someone who has a lot to offer once he sorts out his difficulties."