Manchester City’s Khiara Keating appears in court on nitrous oxide charge

Manchester City and England goalkeeper Khiara Keating has recently had to go to court because she was accused of having canisters of nitrous oxide, which is sometimes called "hippy crack".

Keating, who is 20 years old, and her mother, Nicola Keating, who is 48 years old, appeared in court in Manchester together. They are both facing charges for having the drug, commonly called laughing gas, in their possession in Manchester last month.

The athlete, dressed in a dark pant suit and sneakers, only spoke to verify her name and where she lived. She was then asked to say if she was guilty or not, and she responded “not guilty”, as did her mother.

The charge is a hybrid offence, meaning it can be decided by magistrates or a crown court with a jury. The two women opted to have their case heard by magistrates. According to prosecutor Jonathan Potter, they are charged with possessing nitrous oxide canisters for inhaling unlawfully, a violation of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Keating, from Ashton Old Road in east Manchester, didn't let any goals past her in nine out of 22 league games last year for City. They came in second place behind Chelsea in the Women's Super League. She used to play for Manchester United before a City scout noticed her talents.

Keating got her first call-up to the Lionesses team last October and was included in the squad for the latest round of Euro 2025 qualifiers, but she has not played in a senior international match yet. She made her debut for City at just 17 years old in January 2022 and quickly became the top choice goalkeeper last season. Keating has represented England at under-17, under-19, and under-23 levels.

Nitrous oxide was classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in November. This was part of the government's efforts to address antisocial behavior. It is now illegal to possess nitrous oxide with the intention of inhaling it for a psychoactive effect. However, the gas can still be used for legitimate purposes, such as in catering or for pain relief during labor.

The judges allowed Keating and her mother to go free without any conditions and postponed the case until 10 September. They will return to the same court for a district judge to set a trial date.