In August 2015 UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Gavin Duffy after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance cocaine.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement with evidence in his defence and he was heard for the National Anti-Doping Panel.
The Athlete admitted the out-of-competition use of the substance without intention to enhance his performance. The Athlete told the Panel, sustained by expert witnesses, that he suffered from a depression with increased alcohol consumption after his relationship broke down in January 2015. He lost his job, injured his shoulder and stopped attending the rugby training. The Athlete stated that in the six weeks before the competition he had drunk alcohol and used cocaine each weekend.
The Panel accepts the Athlete’s evidence and concludes that the anti-doping violation was not intentional and that he bears no significant fault or negligence.
Therefore the National Anti-Doping Panel decides on 9 February 2016 to impose a 15 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 20 August 2015.
