Celtic star's father charged over 'threat'

THE father of Celtic star Anthony Stokes has been charged in court over allegations he threatened a business rival.

Pub owner John Stokes was brought before a special sitting of Dublin District Court yesterday morning where he was accused of ordering another publican, with menace, to cease trading within 24 hours.

The 54-year-old, who runs the sports bar Players Lounge in Fairview, north Dublin, surrendered at a garda station on Friday.

It is believed Stokes was in Scotland at the Hearts v Celtic match when his pub and home were searched on Thursday, and he presented himself to garda officers on his return. It was the second time he has been arrested in recent weeks.

During a brief court appearance, Stokes was charged with making a demand with menaces on 13 March to Shane Simpson, the former lease-holder of the Castle public house, in Summerhill, in the north inner city.