On January 25, 2024, Paul Anderson received a £1,345 fine from the Highbury Corner magistrates court, having pleaded guilty to drug possession charges. The incident unfolded on December 26, 2023, at a London pub, where police found crack cocaine and other substances on him.
Renowned for portraying Arthur Shelby in Peaky Blinders, the 46-year-old actor has also left an impact in films like Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.
Paul Anderson Has Showcased His Versatility Through Diverse Roles
In 2003, Paul Anderson marked his acting debut, earning consistent acclaim for his performances. Speaking to Interview Magazine in 2015, he disclosed dropping out of school at around 14 or 15 and subsequently attending the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.
Anderson shared his journey, mentioning a collaboration with Gregory Burke on a play at the Royal Court, which later extended to a joint venture in filmmaking.
“Gregory’s an amazing writer. It was my first job, and I met him fresh from drama school – I hadn’t even graduated – and we’ve remained friends ever since. He always said to me, “One day, I’m going to write a movie” – because he’s written quite a few plays –” and I hope you can do it.”
Paul Anderson’s prolific career spans various projects, gaining recognition for his role in the 2015 film “The Revenant,” alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.
Reflecting on his experience working on “The Revenant,” Paul Anderson praised director Alejandro G. Iñárritu as one of the best he ever collaborated with.
Recalling the project, he noted, “The movie was supposed to be three months long; it went on for seven months. We spent about four, five months in Canada, in a lovely part of the world called Calgary.”
Paul Anderson achieved broader acclaim through his portrayal of Arthur Shelby in “Peaky Blinders,” a role spanning all seasons until 2022.
The series, featuring Cillian Murphy in the lead, is accessible on Netflix. Anderson has further showcased his talent in films such as “In the Heart of the Sea,” “Nightmare Alley,” and “24 Hours to Live.”
Paul Anderson’s Arrest And Trial
In the trial, Paul Anderson’s attorney, Moira MacFarlane, argued that the incident stemmed from the pressure of being a recognizable TV personality.
She asserted that Anderson, seeking to impress viewers by embodying his on-screen character, found himself in an unfortunate position, emphasizing that he should have had the strength to refuse.
The Met Police released a statement regarding Paul Anderson’s arrest, noting their arrival at the pub at 6:30 pm after a call from the manager. The manager reported detecting crack cocaine fumes in a disused toilet used by Paul.
A search revealed crack cocaine, amphetamines, diazepam, and pregabalin in his possession. The police department confirmed charges related to possession of Class A and Class C drugs against Anderson.