A DECORATED Australian soldier has admitted to taking banned anabolic steroids to improve his chances of gaining a spot in the Special Air Service (SAS).
Brisbane-based Sergeant Darren Arthur Thompson pleaded guilty today to possessing several tablets of Dianobol which is also known as "The Breakfast of Champions" after top athletes were caught taking the drug.
The steroid which hit the market in 1960 is capable of boosting weight by several kilograms a week.
Thompson, 31, owned up to possessing the tablets on December 23 last year after police went to his Clayfield home on Brisbane's northside on another matter.
Brisbane's Magistrates Court was told today that Thompson, who won an exemplary conduct medal for service in East Timor, had five tablets in his cupboard.
Thompson, who has served 14 years in the Australian Defence Force infantry battalion, was promoted to sergeant after serving in East Timor where he sustained knee injuries and an arthritic condition in his ankle.
The court was told Thompson admitted to taking Dianobol to assist his injuries and enhance his physical and muscular capabilities.
His lawyer Bob Brewer told the court Thompson felt "foolish" for taking the steroids but was keen to gain a spot in the SAS regiment.
"A conviction would seriously inhibit or prevent his ambition to become part of the elite SAS regiment," he said.
The court was also told Thompson performed several community services, including voluntary surf lifesaving at Point Lookout and fund-raising in shopping centres for the Royal Childrens' Hospital in Brisbane.
Brisbane Magistrate Jim Herlihy fined Thompson $500 and gave him five months to pay the fine. No conviction was recorded.
