A former Greater Manchester Police officer has been sentenced to a 12-month community order for offering to supply illegal steroids on WhatsApp.
Police constable Aaron Jones, 36, is said to have sent a message on WhatsApp that read "Did I heard someone say juice?", alongside a picture of the illegal substance.
According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the matter came to light as part of the evidence gathered for a separate investigation.
The analysis of Jones's mobile phone revealed many incriminating messages sent on WhatsApp. In one of the messages, he said that he had two different types of steroids and offered advice on using them.
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He also contacted another person to seek advice about the potential side effects of someone else using the substances.
When interviewed, Jones claimed he had a supply of steroids that were for his personal use. During the court hearing, the constable, however, admitted two counts of offering to supply a Class C drug in January 2019.
The Liverpool Magistrate Court sentenced Jones to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.
"Conduct of this nature seriously undermines public confidence in policing and our investigation ensured PC Jones was held accountable for his actions," IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said.
"The behaviour we uncovered fell well below the standards expected of a police officer."
A retrospective misconduct hearing for the officer will now be organised by the force.