UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) on Friday confirmed that athletes Gareth Warburton and Rhys Williams have been suspended from all sport for six and four months respectively following anti-doping rule violations. Warburton tested positive for the presence of two metabolites of anabolic steroids, following an out-of-competition test on 17 June 2014. The athlete was provisionally suspended on 11 July 2014. An independent National Anti-Doping Panel found that this case warranted a six month ban. In accordance with the rules, the period of ineligibility started on 11 July 2014, the date upon which the provisional suspension took effect.

Williams tested positive for the presence of a metabolite of an anabolic steroid, following an in-competition test on 11 July 2014 at the Grand Prix in Glasgow. The athlete was provisionally suspended on 23 July 2014. An independent National Anti-Doping Panel found that this case warranted a four month ban. Williams is also automatically disqualified from the race he ran on 11 July with all resulting consequences. In accordance with the rules, the period of ineligibility started on 23 July 2014, the date upon which the provisional suspension took effect.

“These cases send a powerful reminder to athletes that there is no guarantee that any supplement product is free from banned substances. Athletes are strongly advised to be very cautious if they choose to use any supplement product and must undertake thorough research of any products before use”, said UKAD Director of Legal Graham Arthur. “Information revealed as a result should be further investigated and we advise athletes to keep evidence of their research. The principle of strict liability dictates athletes are responsible for any substance found in their body. Under the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code, failure to demonstrate the necessary checks have been undertaken could result in a four year ban from sport.”

The full written decision is available here. UKAD’s advice on supplement use is available here.

• This UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) media release originally appeared on UKAD’s internet site on Friday 16 January 2015. To access the original, click here.