Peaky Blinders actor Paul Anderson, renowned for his portrayal of Arthur Shelby, has been fined for drug possession, including crack cocaine, following an incident on Boxing Day, 2023.
Anderson, 48, appeared at Highbury Corner magistrates court on Thursday, January 25, admitting guilt to charges of possessing class A crack cocaine, class B amphetamines, and two class C prescription substances.
He was fined a total of £1,345.
According to prosecutor Kevin Kendridge, Anderson was discovered with the substances on Boxing Day after police were called to a pub near his home. The pub’s manager reported crack cocaine fumes emanating from the disabled toilet Anderson had used.
Police found Anderson with a young man and a 17-month-old baby, subsequently discovering crack cocaine, a wrap of brown powder identified as amphetamines, along with diazepam and pregabalin during a search at the police station.
In mitigation, Anderson’s lawyer explained to the court, “You will recognize the defendant from a very intense part that he has played in a recent television program. He is often recognized and does his best to please fans of the show by slipping into character. He was recognized that Boxing Day and tried to play up for these people. And because of the lifestyle he leads, people often give him inducements.”
The lawyer clarified that Anderson had not been smoking crack cocaine but acknowledged, “He has found himself in an unfortunate position and should have had the strength to say no.”
