Fletcher was today (21 November 2011) sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court for drug offences, including supplying 16 types of Class C substances. His offence involved the supply of a number of anabolic steroids, including testosterone, human growth hormone and Trenbolone, all of which are banned under the World Anti-Doping Code. He was given a nine month sentence. Fletcher, who was provisionally suspended from all competition on 8 November 2011, is banned from participation in sport until 7 November 2015. UK Anti-Doping’s intelligence unit has been working closely with Merseyside Police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) throughout this operation, which has led to the UK’s first trafficking violation. UK Anti-Doping Chief Executive Andy Parkinson said: “This case proves the invaluable role that law enforcement agencies have in the fight against doping in sport and demonstrates that our intelligence system is working effectively. “I would like to thank the Merseyside Police and SOCA for their vital assistance in helping our Intelligence team with this case. By attacking the supply chain and those that supply performance enhancing substances, we stand a better chance of protecting the right of the clean athletes to compete in doping-free sport.” Notes to Editors: Non-Analytical Finding Terminology used to describe an anti-doping rule violation other than the presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers in an athlete’s bodily specimen. World Anti-Doping Code 10.3 Ineligibility for Other Anti-Doping Rule Violations 10.3.2 For violations of Articles 2.7 (Trafficking or Attempted Trafficking) or 2.8 (Administration or Attempted Administration of Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method), the period of Ineligibility imposed shall be a minimum of four (4) years up to lifetime Ineligibility unless the conditions provided in Article 10.5 are met. An anti-doping rule violation involving a Minor shall be considered a particularly serious violation and, if committed by Athlete Support Personnel for violations other than Specified Substances referenced in Article 4.2.2, shall result in lifetime Ineligibility for Athlete Support Personnel. In addition, significant violations of Articles 2.7 or 2.8 which may also violate non-sporting laws and regulations, shall be reported to the competent administrative, professional or judicial authorities. [Comment to Article 10.3.2: Those who are involved in doping Athletes or covering up doping should be subject to sanctions which are more severe than the Athletes who test positive. Since the authority of sport organizations is generally limited to Ineligibility for credentials, membership and other sport benefits, reporting Athlete Support Personnel to competent authorities is an important step in the deterrence of doping.]