TWO men have admitted supplying steroids to a teenage bodybuilder who later died.

Matthew Dear, 17, is believed to have died from swelling to the brain. He had taken black-market pills supplied to him by Garry Penny, 21, and Alexander Moss-Austin, 18.

Matthew’s grieving family looked on at Basildon Crown Court yesterday, on as the pair admitted charges of supplying him with anabolic steroid methandienone, a Class C drug.

Matthew, a part-time postman who was hoping to join the Royal Marines, lived with his family in Hamstel Road, Southend.

He was taken ill with blurred vision and agonising stomach pains in April, and died a week later at Southend Hospital.

However, speaking yesterday, Andrew Jackson, prosecuting, said: “There is conflicting medical evidence in this case. It is not clear if the drug supplied caused this death.”

Matthew’s death will not be taken into account in the sentencing of Penny and Moss-Austin, because of the inconclusive medical evidence.

Outside the court, Matthew’s dad Chris, 43, said: “It was a real bittersweet moment for us today. It is right these two should be held accountable for their drug dealing, but we have lost our son.”

His mum Tina, 41, said: “Matthew was a very fit and healthy young man, with a bright future ahead of him. But now that has been taken away.”

Moss-Austin, of Westcliff, admitted one count of supplying 50 tablets of methandienone to Matthew, and a further charge of supplying 50 tablets of the same drug to another man.

Penny, of Station Road, Westcliff, admitted one count of supplying methandienone to Matthew.

Both men were released on unconditional bail prior to their sentencing early next year.