A Cumbrian body builder prosecuted for assaulting his sister and possessing illegal drugs told magistrates it was his decision to take anabolic steroids that drove him to commit the crimes.

Gary Walsh, 31, made such amazing progress after he began training that he was tipped as a rising star of the sport.

But as he prepared for an upcoming competition, Walsh, of South Street, Fletchertown, wrongly took the advice of a contact and began taking steroids to boost his physique.

The drugs left him with devastating side effects, which included severe anxiety and depression.

Steroids are also widely recognised to lead to increased aggression in those using them regularly.

At Carlisle's Rickergate courts complex, Walsh admitted four offences: a common assault on his sister Joanne Walsh on September 15, and possessing three illicit drugs – cannabis, amphetamine, and valium.

He told police took the drugs in a desperate attempt to suppress the side-effects of the steroids.

Prosecutor Pamela Fee described how Walsh had been in the Blue Bell pub in King Street, Workington, on September 13 when staff became concerned for him because he seemed so intoxicated.

They were unable to rouse him, and he smelled of cannabis. When police arrived, they searched him and found he was carrying small amounts of the three drugs in question.

He said he was taking them to counteract the steroids.

The assault happened at the Yates Evolution Gym in Aspatria.

His sister had been told that Walsh had been using steroids and so she went there to confront him about this, said Mrs Fee.

An argument ensued and Walsh grabbed his sister and forced her from the gym, using too much force.

Mike Woolaghan, for Walsh, said he took up body building to boost his self-confidence. “His progress in the early stages was significant and beneficial,” said the lawyer.

“Unfortunately, for foolish reasons, and due to the competitive nature of his competing at the highest level, he accepted the advice which in hindsight was wholly incorrect.

He accepts that he took steroids.

“But there were side effects - it caused depression, and that depression was significant on September 15. He also sourced a small quantity of drugs with a view to managing those symptoms.

"He accepted that his decision to take steroids was a poor one and that his behaviour towards his sister, who was a rock to him, was out of order.”

In a detailed statement, given via a video link from the prison where he had been held for the last week, Walsh gave magistrates his own explanation of what happened.

As he he trained for a major competition, he had progressed well, he said, but the pressure to do well was intense.

So he wrongly accepted the advice of a contact in the sport and began taking anabolic steroids.

He said: “I have since had time to reflect on my behaviour, to be introspective, and I have realised what a huge mistake I made when I started taking steroids. Three weeks before this event, I was really starting to make a success of my life.

“I remain an excellent father to my children, and care for them on a regular basis four days a week as their mam works full time. My children are my life...”

He said what happened as an isolated incident, brought on by an adverse reaction to the steroids he took.

Walsh said he had a unique bond with his sister, the two of them having gone through a lot together and he was deeply ashamed and upset by his behaviour in removing her from the gym so recklessly.

The defendant went on to say that he was now completely free of steroids, which in future he would steer well clear of.

Noting Walsh's remorse, his “eloquent” letter, and a letter of support from his sister, magistrates imposed fines and costs totaling £240.