England goalkeeper Khiara Keating caught with 11 canisters of 'hippy crack' nitrous oxide, court told

24 July 2024, 13:40 | Updated: 24 July 2024, 13:42

Lionesses goalkeeper Khiara Keating was caught with 11 canisters of 'hippy crack' nitrous oxide after a crash in Manchester in June, a magistrates court heard.
Lionesses goalkeeper Khiara Keating was caught with 11 canisters of 'hippy crack' nitrous oxide after a crash in Manchester in June, a magistrates court heard. Picture: Alamy

By Lauren Lewis

Lionesses goalkeeper Khiara Keating was caught with 11 canisters of 'hippy crack' nitrous oxide after a crash in Manchester in June, a magistrates court heard.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Keating, 20, and her mother Nicola Keating, 48, were jointly charged with possession of the Class C drug, more widely known as laughing gas, after the accident on June 18.

The footballer, wearing black trouser-suit and trainers, stood with next to her mother in the dock at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and spoke only to confirm her name and address.

She was asked to indicate a plea and replied "not guilty", as did her mother.

The 20-year-old, of Ashton Old Road, east Manchester, kept nine clean sheets in 22 league games for City, who finished second to rivals Chelsea in the Women's Super League title race last season.

Keating earned a call up to the senior England squad earlier this year as a back up to Mary Earps, but is yet to make an appearance for the national side.

Keating earned a call up to the senior England squad earlier this year as a back up to Mary Earps, but is yet to make an appearance for the national side.
Keating earned a call up to the senior England squad earlier this year as a back up to Mary Earps, but is yet to make an appearance for the national side. . Picture: Alamy

Read more: Nine Just Stop Oil activists arrested at Heathrow as part of a Europe-wide campaign against flights

Read more: MrBeast co-host quits amid grooming allegations

Jonathan Potter, prosecuting, said the women are accused of the possession of nitrous oxide canisters for wrongful inhalation, an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The charge is an "either way" offence and can be heard by magistrates or at a crown court before a jury. Both women chose to have their case heard before magistrates.

Magistrates granted Keating and her mother unconditional bail and adjourned the case until September 10 back at the same court for a district judge to fix a date for trial.

Nitrous oxide was made a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act last November, as part of the Government's anti-social behaviour action plan.

Possession of nitrous oxide, where a person intends to wrongfully inhale it for a psychoactive effect, is now an offence but it is still possible to use the gas for legitimate reasons, such as in catering or pain relief during labour.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

London, UK. 25th Feb, 2025. Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Housing and Communities MP for Ashton-under-Lyne. Ministers attend the government cabinet meeting in Downing Street, London, UK Credit: Imageplotter/Alamy Live News

Angela Rayner to pledge 'power shift to the North' as Deputy PM vows to 'break' system that 'hoards power'

A sign at Loftus Road Stadium, the ground of soccer team Queens Park Rangers (QPR), in London, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012. Queens Park Rangers has hired Mark Hughes as its new manager to replace the fired Neil Warnock.

Police arrest two QPR footballers on suspicion of voyeurism in swoop on club training ground

US football star accused of 'eating brother's eyeballs' in 'savage murder' as Princeton graduate appears in court

US football star accused of 'eating brother's eyeballs' in 'savage Princeton murder' during first court appearance

Starmer 'concerned' by controversial Gaza documentary as BBC apologises for 'serious flaws' in show

Starmer 'concerned' by controversial Gaza documentary as BBC apologises for 'serious flaws'

Keir Starmer and Donald Trump

Trump says UK and US heading for a 'very good' trade deal - as President labels Starmer a 'tough negotiator'

An e-bike burst into flames on the platform at Rayners Lane station in northwest London.

Shocking moment e-bike bursts into flames on Tube platform as passengers evacuated

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, hands an invitation from King Charles III to President Donald Trump at the White House, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Washington. (Carl Court/Pool via AP)

Trump accepts King's invite for 'unprecedented' second state visit - as he tells Starmer he'll back Chagos deal

David Mencer, Israel's military spokesperson, has labelled the BBC a 'mouthpiece' for Hamas in an interview with LBC.

BBC says sorry for 'serious flaws' in making of Gaza documentary after Israel hits out over controversy

The death of Gene Hackman is "suspicious" enough to require an investigation

Death of Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa 'suspicious enough' to require 'investigation', police warrant reveals

Israeli army soldiers patrol an undisclosed area.

IDF admits 'complete failure' in October 7 attacks as new details of security flaws emerge

Andrew Tate is wanted in the UK on sex trafficking charges.

Andrew Tate claims he is 'misunderstood' as he touches down in the US despite sex trafficking charges

Katy Perry

Katy Perry to become first pop star in space as she joins all-female crew on Blue Origin rocket

David Mencer, Israel's military spokesperson, has labelled the BBC a 'mouthpiece' for Hamas in an interview with LBC.

'How is the BBC now a mouthpiece for Hamas?', Israel hits out amid Gaza TV show controversy

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, right, is greeted by President Donald Trump as he arrives at the White House in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Donald Trump will come to Britain for second state visit as he accepts personal invitation from King Charles

William paid tribute to the Hollywood star

Prince William pays tribute to Gene Hackman after Hollywood star and his wife found dead at home

Commuters buy tickets at King's Cross underground station on January 2, 2020 in London, England.

Blow for commuters as Tube and train fares to rise nearly 5% on Sunday