In November 2015 UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Jonathan Slowey after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance cocaine.
Previously in July 2010 a 4 month period of ineligibility was imposed on the Athlete for the use of cannabis. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the National Anti-Doping Panel.
The Athlete gave a prompt admission to UKAD for the cocaine violation and stated that he had used alcohol and cocaine out-of-competition in the weeks before the competition in September 2015 without intention to enhance his performance.
The Athlete explained, sustained by evidence and expert witnesses, that he suffered from severe personal problems; struggled with cocaine and alcohol; and was involved in a court case having been charged with an attempted assault. Also the Athlete underwent a medical treatment in a rehabilitation centre but wished to continue to respond to the charges and to attend the hearings.
UKAD accepted that the Athlete did not use cocaine to enhance his sport performance and that the Athlete has established when and how the substance entered his system.
The Sole Arbitrator accepts the Athlete’s explanation and finds considering the circumstances in this case that the Athlete bore No Significant Fault or Negligence for the committed anti-doping violation.
Therefore based on the Athlete’s degree of fault the Sole Arbitrator of the National Anti-Doping Panel decides on 9 September 2016 to impose a 3 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the sample collection, i.e. on 26 September 2015.
