British sprinter Bernice Wilson banned for four years

British sprinter Bernice Wilson has been handed a four-year ban following an anti-doping rule violation.

The athlete was originally suspended last July for failing a drugs test and the UK Anti-Doping Agency have decided to take further action after Wilson appealed the original ban.

Anti-Doping chief executive Andy Parkinson said: "We have successfully argued for a four-year ban, which demonstrates that UK Anti-Doping always seeks robust sanctions against athletes who look to cheat the system and betray those around them.

"This sends a strong message to anyone looking to dope in the UK and gives clean athletes the confidence that we are working hard on their behalf, within the framework of the World Anti-Doping Code, to protect their right to compete in doping-free sport."

The sprinter was found with anabolic steroids in her system.