Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson – who plays Arthur Shelby – caught with crack cocaine after Boxing Day ‘pub session’
PEAKY Blinders' Arthur Shelby has been caught with crack cocaine at a 'boozy' Boxing Day 'pub session'.
, who plays Tommy Shelby's brother in the hit show, was arrested after cops were called out to a pub in Camden, London at around 6.30pm on December 26.
The actor, 48, who features alongside Cillian Murphy in the popular BBC drama, appeared before Highbury Magistrates' Court on January 25.
He admitted to possessing the Class A drug, as well as class B amphetamines and two class C prescription substances.
The Peaky Blinders legend was found with crack cocaine, amphetamines, Diazepam, and Pregabalin, according to the indictment.
A spokesperson from the Met Police said: "Police were called at about 18:30hrs on 26 December 2023 to West End Lane in Camden.
Read More
"Officers attended and arrested a man.
"Paul Anderson, 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."
Anderson was allegedly caught after a fellow pub drinker smelled crack cocaine fumes.
Most read in Showbiz
His defence lawyer told the court he had found himself in an "unfortunate position" and had "tried to play up" to his character, reports.
Anderson, who also featured alongside Tom Hardy in the Kray twins biopic Legend, was fined £1,345.
'Huge problems'
It is understood the conviction could now cause "huge problems" for a follow up Peaky Blinders film, currently being written by screenwriter Steven Knight.
A source told it could have a "significant impact" on the feature-length sequel.
The sources says the conviction will make it difficult to "reprise the role" of Arthur Shelby despite him being a "pivotal character".
"The third option would be to cancel the entire thing," they added.
Knight previously told fans the spin-off movie should be "in cinemas by Spring 2024".
It hasn't been entirely clear what the film will be about, but Knight previously said the film will incorporate real-life stories from World War II that are tied to the titular group.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"I've had this in mind for quite a while now, a story with the Peakys during the Second World War and I've picked up three true stories that I'm integrating into the film," Knight confirmed.
The Sun Online contacted Paul Anderson's representative for comment.
