Sentencing for ex-Ireland player Anthony Stokes delayed after he catches Covid

By Katharine Hay, PA Scotland reporter

Sentencing for former Republic of Ireland and Celtic player Anthony Stokes, who pleaded guilty to stalking his ex-partner, has been delayed after the footballer contracted Covid, a court has heard.

The case was also postponed due to some court documents not being ready.

Stokes, 34, was given four-year, non-harassment orders in September 2019 after he admitted stalking his ex, which meant he could not contact her or her mother for four years, apart from when arranging contact with the young son he and his former partner share.

At that time, Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen deferred sentence for Stokes to be of good behaviour.

The footballer has since admitted breaching a non-harassment order by repeatedly sending emails and texts to his former girlfriend and repeatedly calling her mother in November and December 2019.

He also admitted causing his ex-partner fear or alarm by repeatedly sending her messages between November 16th and December 3rd, 2019 in which he did “swear and utter offensive remarks”, and by repeatedly telephoning her parents to “utter inappropriate and offensive remarks” about her.

The former Ireland international was due to appear for sentencing at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday.

His lawyer, Michael Gallen, told the hearing Stokes contracted Covid-19 and was unfit to travel.

Mr Gallen said: “He contacted me yesterday to advise he had contracted Covid and is unable to attend.”

The court also heard some legal reports are yet to be completed for the sentencing to go ahead.

The hearing has been adjourned until 16 September, and Stokes’ bail conditions will continue until then.

Stokes won nine caps for the Republic of Ireland during his career and played for a host of clubs including Celtic, Hibs and Sunderland.