Judge strikes out cocaine case against Anthony Stokes over delay in analysis of seizure

However, gardaí were granted liberty to re-enter the proceedings when the drug analysis was completed

Former Ireland international footballer, Anthony Stokes (pictured) also faced four charges of dangerous driving. File picture: Paddy Cummins

A judge has struck out cocaine possession and dealing charges against former Republic of Ireland footballer Anthony Stokes due to delays in analysis of a suspected drug seizure worth €4,500 last year.

He appeared again before Judge Paula Murphy at Dublin District Court on Thursday.

She said there was "no point in keeping this live," but gardaí were granted liberty to re-enter the proceedings when the drug analysis was completed. Related driving charges are to proceed.

Gardaí arrested the ex-Celtic and Sunderland striker on January 6, 2023, following alleged driving incidents in Dublin and brought him to Crumlin station.

They had charged Mr Stokes, 35, 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 driving in a manner, including speed, at the junction of Walkinstown Avenue and Walkinstown/Long Mile Road, Dublin 12, at Kennelsfort Road Upper, Ballyfermot, Dublin 20, at Ballyfermot Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, and at Walkinstown Avenue.

The former Premier League player is also accused of not having a driving licence or motor insurance at Knockmaroon Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15, on the same date, and failing to produce them 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 on Thursday 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 drug 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".

The former footballer did not address the court and had not entered a plea to the cocaine allegations.

Striking out the drug charges, Judge Murphy said "there is no point in keeping this live" until the certificate was available. She granted gardaí liberty to re-enter the matter when it is available.

She adjourned the remaining motoring charges until a March hearing date.