Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson fined for drug possession
Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson has been fined after pleading guilty to possession of crack cocaine.
The actor, known for playing Arthur Shelby in the BBC drama as well as having starred in Top Boy and Doctor Who, appeared in court last week after police caught him with the Class A drug and a pipe used for smoking it (via MailOnline).
Anderson is said to have admitted to possession of crack cocaine, as well as class B amphetamines and two class C prescription substances, at the hearing on Thursday (January 25).
Related: Netflix confirms Peaky Blinders and Fool Me Once connection
Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court heard that Anderson was caught on Boxing Day after a trip to a pub in north west London. Another customer told the pub's manager that they smelt crack cocaine fumes coming from the disabled toilet after the actor walked out, and the police were called.
Prosecutors told the court that Anderson was then taken to a police station where he was found in possession of crack cocaine, amphetamines and the prescription drugs diazepam and pregabalin.
The court heard that the actor answered 'no comment' to all questions during his police station interview, and later tested positive for opiates and cocaine, but not crack cocaine.
Anderson was fined £1,345, with his lawyer insisting that he had not been smoking crack cocaine.
Related: Peaky Blinders boss has big update on movie spin-off
Anderson's defence lawyer told the hearing: "You will recognise the defendant from a very intense part that he has played in a recent television programme.
"He is often recognised and does his best to please fans of the show by slipping into character.
"He was recognised that Boxing Day and tried to play up for these people. He has found himself in an unfortunate position and should have had the strength to say no."
In a statement about the case sent to Metro.co.uk, the Met Police said: "Police were called at about 18:30hrs on 26 December 2023 to West End Lane in Camden. Officers attended and arrested a man.
"Paul Anderson, 48 (12.02.75) 48, of West Hampstead, was later charged with two counts of possession of Class A drugs and two counts of possession of Class C drugs.
"He appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Thursday 25 January."
Peaky Blinders is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Netflix.
You Might Also Like
