By Mike McQuaid
Contributor
A police officer endured a seven-month Hepatitis C nightmare after he was cut by a hypodermic needle as he searched through a suspect’s jacket.
PC Nathan Burns required a vaccination and multiple tests to ensure he had not contracted the serious liver condition.
His ordeal was revealed when David Gordon, 44, appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court (main picture). Gordon admitted culpably and recklessly failing to tell the officer he was carrying sharp items when detained for a search.
The charge stated that as a result of this, Burns was exposed to the risk of contracting an infectious disease.
The incident happened outside Gordon’s home in Westray Court, Cumbernauld, on June 3 last year.
Ruth Rabey, prosecuting, said: “Police officers had gone there with a warrant for the accused’s arrest. They found him hiding under a bed.
“Forensic analysis was carried out and the substance tested positive for Hepatitis C. It would have readily spread disease”
Prosecutor Ruth Rabey
“He was placed under arrest, and he asked if he could take his jacket with him to the police station. He was told it would be searched and was asked if it contained anything sharp. He replied: ‘No’.
“When PC Burns was searching the jacket, he felt a sharp scratch on his finger and noticed it was bleeding.
“He saw a hypodermic needle protruding from the jacket. There were two other uncapped needles inside the jacket. The needles appeared to have been used, and there was a substance in the barrel of one.
“Forensic analysis was carried out and the substance tested positive for Hepatitis C. It showed a high viral count. It would have readily spread disease.”
Rabey said Gordon protested that the needles should have been capped. She added: “PC Burns went to Monklands Hospital for treatment.
“He received a Hepatitis C vaccination and required blood tests for six months. Fortunately, all tests proved negative for blood-borne viruses.”
The court heard that Gordon had been released on bail seven times in the two months leading up to the offence.
His lawyer, Rowan Myles, said: “He had a troubled childhood that led him to use drugs in his teens. He has been a regular abuser of heroin since the age of 21, and was under the influence on the day of this offence.
“He says he is ready to make changes in his life, but the justice social work report assesses him as at maximum risk of reoffending. There is a lengthy record and he needs help to address his drug use.”
Sheriff Paul Haran noted that Gordon has a “history of non-compliance with court orders”.
The sheriff told him: “With some hesitation I’ll continue this matter to have you assessed for a drug treatment and testing order.”
The case was adjourned until August 7.