'Reckless' ex-PC would have been sacked for drugs

A police officer has been dismissed from a force after it was found he was using unprescribed anabolic steroids.

Ex Essex PC Joshua Brady tested positive for anabolic androgenic steroids which are a Class C drug and only available through prescription.

A misconduct hearing in June found PC Brady had breached professional standards and concluded he would have been sacked if he had not already resigned.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, said: "Police officers who take drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor, or are not lawful, have no place in policing."

Mr Brady, who had also represented Essex Police's rugby team, was placed on the College of Policing barred list.

Mr Harrington added: "PC Brady was a young in-service officer with a bright future in policing who had represented police at the highest levels in sport.

"But through foolish and reckless behaviour he has not only ruined his career but has put himself and the public at risk.

"Police officers who take drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor, or are not lawful, have no place in policing."

According to the NHS, most professional sports and organisations ban anabolic steroid use and test competitors for prohibited steroids.

Anabolic steroids can be used as performance-enhancing drugs that increase muscle mass and decrease fat, as well as causing many undesirable effects.

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