The West Yorkshire Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided to drop its case against police officer Mark Carter on charges related to the possession of anabolic steroids. Carter was expected to face trial later this year on the steroid charges.
Police discovered 277 tablets of the anabolic steroid stanozolol, more commonly known by the brand name Winstrol, when they arrested him on multiple sexual assault charges. This was the beginning of a two-year “living nightmare” for Carter. Carter maintained his innocence and was ultimately cleared of the sexual assault and rape charges by a jury in June 2011. Now, the nightmare has almost come to an end for the devastated Carter.
Winstrol is classified as a controlled class C drug in the United Kingdom. However, it is legal to possess anabolic steroids as long as they are ingredients in a recognized medicinal product and there is no intent to supply or distribute the drugs. Carter pleaded not guilty to the steroid charges and provided prosecutors with evidence that the 277 tablets of Winstrol, as a component of a medicinal product, were solely intended for his personal use.
“Having carefully considered expert evidence, we are satisfied that Mr Carter’s use of the drugs was for a medicinal purpose within the terms of the Medicines Act 1968, and as such have taken steps to bring the case to an end today,” concluded Peter Mann of the complex casework unit at the West Yorkshire CPS.
West Yorkshire Police had suspended Carter immediately following his arrest in December 2009. He remains suspended even after he has been found not guilty on all charges against him. The West Yorkshire Police have yet to decide if there will be any disciplinary action above and beyond his almost two year suspension from the police force.
“This case involves an allegation relating to the possession of steroids,” according to a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson. “A decision regarding disciplinary action remains under consideration.”
The openly gay police officer and 2006 Mr. Gay UK expressed his gratitude to those who had supported him during his ordeal.
“After nearly two years of wait, I have now been found not guilty of all charges held against me,” Carter told ITV Calendar News. “I would like to thank all those who have stood by me: my legal team, West Yorkshire Police Federation, my family and friends and my work colleagues. These people have supported me in what can only be described as a living nightmare.”
Source:
Cosens, S. (September 20, 2011). Former Mr Gay UK speaks out on sexual assault charges. Retrieved from http://news.pinkpaper.com/NewsStory/6074/20/09/2011/former-mr-gay-uk-speaks-out-on-sexual-assault-charges.aspx
Wright, S. (September 20, 2011). But gay police officer remains suspended from active duty says Force spokesman. Retrieved from http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/9259774.Drugs_allegations_against_PC_dropped/
