Anthony Stokes Charged with Assaulting an Elvis Impersonator
Celtic striker Anthony Stokes has been charged with assault after being accused of attacking an Elvis impersonator in Dublin on June 8, 2013.
According BBC News, the incident occurred at Buck Whaley's nightclub in the Irish capital, where Stokes is alleged to have attacked 42-year-old Anthony Bradley.
Judge Michael Walsh released the 25-year-old forward on bail, and Stokes will have to return to court on May 29.
As part of the case, Stokes was ordered to surrender details from his mobile phone to the prosecuting authorities, and he was "officially charged with assault causing harm, under section three of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997."
The BBC News report goes on to detail that the Republic of Ireland international had been arrested on Dublin's Chancery Street on Thursday afternoon, by arrangement.
Stokes is currently enjoying a fruitful Scottish Premiership season, having scored 10 goals and made six assists in 23 league outings for the Bhoys, but this latest revelation could well have an impact on further contributions this term.
As Ian Abrahams of talkSPORT shows, it was only in February that the goalscorer made a telling contribution in the win over St. Johnstone:
Should the charge obstruct Neil Lennon's disposal of the striker, it could have a say on Celtic's hopes of tying up a third consecutive title in the Scottish top flight—which would this year be a maiden championship in the inaugural Scottish Premiership.
That being said, with the Glasgow giants currently sitting 19 points clear at the top of the standings, it's difficult to imagine the club finishing anywhere other than with silverware in tow.
Sky Sports add that Stokes was first arrested and questioned by the Irish police—the Garda—in August of last year, with the Director of Public Prosecutions choosing to prosecute after being sent the police file for the case.
