Matthew Dear's dad wants steroids reclassified as class B drugs (From Southend Standard)

Matthew Dear's dad wants steroids reclassified as class B drugs

6:27pm Wednesday 22nd April 2009

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THE father of tragic Matthew Dear has called for steroids to be reclassified as class B drugs.

The 17-year-old Sea Cadet died after taking what is believed to have been a £30 batch of black market steroids.

"Being a fitness fanantic, he kept himself trim, didn’t take medication. We can’t think of the last time he went to the doctor, or even had the flu or a cold.”

Matthew's dad, Chris Dear

It is thought he obtained the prescription-only drugs to bulk up his body so he would look good for the summer – and boost his body strength so he could pass fitness tests needed to join the Royal Marines.

His father, Chris Dear, says young people are unaware of how dangerous steroids can be. He wants the Government to be reclassified from class C alongside more dangerous class B drugs.

The Dear family, who live in Hamstel Road, Southend, believe reclassification would make it clear steroids are not part of a clean-living, healthy lifestyle.

Southend postman Mr Dear, 43, said: “If you're approached by a muscly 17-year-old who said, ‘if you take these you can look like me’, it’s not like talking to some sleazy drug dealer, so you might think, ‘I’ll give this a try.’”

The first signs Matthew was ill came two weeks ago after a barbecue with friends.

When he became disorientated on Easter Sunday the family called paramedics, who asked if he had taken drugs.

Mr Dear was shocked even to be asked, because he knew his son did not go to nightclubs, let alone take recreational drugs. He says he’d never given steroids a thought.

He added: “I said I was 99 per cent sure he hadn’t taken drugs, because he was fitness-mad. He wanted to join the Marines. Being a fitness fanatic, he kept himself trim, didn’t take medication. We can’t think of the last time he went to the doctor, or even had the flu or a cold.”

Matthew was discharged from hospital the next day, only to be re-admitted hours later, after he started being sick.

Mum Tina, 41, said: “He complained of severe stomach pains. As time went, on he was rolling around in complete agony.”

Matthew started to suffer fits, his kidneys shut down, and his brain began to swell. He finally died in hospital at 8am on Monday.

The family believe the steroids could have been a “rogue batch”, but also feel it is time for tough action against pushers.

Mr Dear added: “These people don’t realise how many lives they wreck. I don’t think anyone can understand the loss of a child, unless they’ve lost one themselves.”

* Three males, a 17-year-old and a 21-year-old from Westcliff, and a 24-year-old from Leigh, have been arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled substance, in connection with Matthew’s case. They have been released on police bail until June 23. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call police on 0300 3334444.

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