Actor Paul Anderson – best known for playing Arthur Shelby in all six seasons of Peaky Blinders – has been fined after pleading guilty in court to possessing crack cocaine.
Anderson, who has also appeared in films including The Revenant and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on January 26. The actor admitted to possessing crack cocaine, as well amphetamines – a class B drug – and prescription drugs diazepam and pregabalin (both Class C).
He was initially arrested by Police on December 26, 2023, when he was caught in possession of crack cocaine – a Class A substance in UK law – as well a pipe that is used to smoke it. The Court heard that Anderson had been in a pub in northwest London, when another customer complained to the management that they had smelt crack cocaine smoke coming from the disabled toilet after Anderson had exited. Police were called and Anderson was arrested. When at the police station, he was found in possession of the drugs.
Crack cocaine is a form of cocaine that can be smoked and gives users a short, intense high. It is said to be the most addictive form of cocaine.
When questioned, Anderson replied ‘no comment’ to all questions. He was drug tested and while he tested positive for opiates and cocaine, crack cocaine was not found.
The court fined Anderson £1,345.
Anderson’s lawyer is reported to have said his client had not been smoking crack cocaine. He added the actor had found himself in an unfortunate position in the pub trying to please others and should have had the strength to say no.
Anderson was expected to reprise his role as Arthur in the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie, but unnamed insiders told The Daily Star in the UK that this could now be in doubt following his fine.
