AIDs needle threat (From Stroud News and Journal)

AIDs needle threat

DRUG addict Stephen Chew told police officers "I've tested positive for AIDS" before pulling out a needle and threatening to stab them with it.

Stroud Magistrates' Court heard how Chew asked PC Patrick Smith and PC Tim Griffiths: "Which one of you wants to be spiked?"

Chew, of Cotswold Road, Cashes Green, narrowly escaped jail after admitting kicking PC Smith in the leg three times as officers wrestled him to the floor.

Chew, 41, admitted assaulting a constable and a public order offence but denied threatening to infect officers during Friday's hearing.

David Hunter, prosecuting, explained how the drama began around 1pm on Friday, October 7 last year.

Chew and a friend were stopped by officers outside the Bell Hotel in Wallbridge, Stroud, he said.

Chew, who was opening a can of alcohol at the time, became agitated, and the officers called for back-up before arresting him.

"Mr Chew was asked by PC Griffiths if he had any sharp objects," said Mr Hunter.

"He said, 'I have lots of needles on me - they are to stop you searching me. I've been tested positive for AIDS'.

"He pulled out a needle and said 'which one of you wants to be spiked?'."

But Mazar Iqbal, defending, said officers were 'heavy-handed' in their treatment of his client.

"When he produced a needle it was because he was told to take it out and put it onto the wall," he said.

"The cover slipped off."

However, magistrates took a dim view and sentenced Chew, who has long-running drug and alcohol roblems, to an 18-month community order.

They also ordered him to pay £35 towards prosecution costs.

Chairman of the bench, Judy Wilton, said the panel had considered custody but decided against it because a psychological assessment concluded jail would put him at risk of suicide.