You'd think that being an actor in one of the biggest shows on TV would give you at least enough money to pay the bills.
You might even think that some of the smaller parts would get paid a decent rate for their work, especially when the show makes as much money as Peaky Blinders.
Well, one of the extras in the BBC's biggest show has just had his side hustle shut down by the police.
Gideon Goldstraw, an extra in both Peaky Blinders and the BBC's Victorian drama Ripper Street has been exposed as a drug dealer after being pulled over by the cops.
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The eagle-eyed coppers spotted Goldstraw driving his VW Golf car whilst on his mobile phone and pulled him over to give him a fine. It was at this stage that they noticed that he was also high as a kite.
They searched his car and found up to £1,200 ($1,700) worth of cannabis, as well as a load of snap bags, weighing scales and a book listing all of his customers who owed him money.
A further investigation revealed nearly 2,000 text messages on his phone that also evidenced his drug dealing.
Goldstraw admitted charges of possession of cannabis with intent to supply, and driving under the influence of drugs at Manchester Crown Court but escaped jail as he was given an eight-month suspended sentence and ordered to perform 200 hours of unpaid work.
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He has also been ordered to pay £200 ($280) court costs and been disqualified from driving for a year.
The actor, from Manchester, claimed that he began dealing drugs as a way to ease the suffering of his dad, who had Parkinson's disease, and only supplied weed for people to aid medical problems in the form of weed cookies, sweets, and cakes.
As well as appearing in season three of Peaky Blinders he has worked as a stand-up comedian, an MC in a club in Ibiza, and played a zombie in a TV short film.
His website reads: "He has always been an entertainer. While only 5'6" his confidence fills the room on entering. He has a very distinctive look, voice and unlimited energy. Gideon has a very infectious and positive outlook on life and a 'Can do' attitude towards all tasks."
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When sparing him jail, the judge said: "The indication seems to be that you have been dealing for a considerable period of time but you have a home and you are in employment and in these circumstances I don't see why you should add to the already large prison population."
Solid decision, Your Honour.
Featured Image Credit: PA / Mandy.comTopics: TV and Film, Celebrity, UK Entertainment, Peaky Blinders