Anthony Stokes, a 35-year-old former Arsenal youth player, has been sentenced to five months in jail for breaching court orders prohibiting contact with his ex-girlfriend, Eilidh Scott, and her family. The court was informed that Stokes persistently sent messages to Ms. Scott, accusing her of infidelity and questioning her parenting abilities. Sheriff Colin Dunipace characterized Ms. Scott’s account of Stokes’ actions as “deeply disturbing.”
Sheriff Dunipace imposed a custodial sentence on Stokes, citing his blatant disregard for previous court directives and stressing the court’s obligation to shield women from such forms of harassment. Stokes had previously been subject to a community payback order, an alternative to imprisonment, but failed to adhere to its terms.
During the court proceedings, evidence emerged detailing a history of abuse, including social media posts alleging Ms. Scott’s infidelity. This behavior continued from 2018 to 2019, during which Stokes verbally abused Ms. Scott through WhatsApp and email and made unwelcome visits to her residence.
In 2019, Stokes was issued a four-year non-harassment order and participated in a program aimed at combatting domestic abuse. However, a warrant for his arrest was issued in 2021 after he failed to appear for sentencing, with Stokes posting a seemingly mocking message on social media shortly thereafter.
After missing further court appearances and warrants, Stokes surrendered to authorities in Scotland last month, attributing his delays to legal matters in Ireland. While in custody, Stokes reportedly spent much of his time in isolation due to safety concerns.
Stokes’ defense counsel argued that his client’s attitude towards the offenses had undergone a significant transformation since his incarceration.
Stokes’s history & Arsenal relevance