A POLICE officer is awaiting the outcome of medical tests and treatment after being stabbed by a drug taker with a syringe, a court was told.

Michael Stewart grabbed the syringe from a bag and thrust it towards the back of the officer’s hand as he was being handcuffed.

Durham Crown Court heard that the incident took place after police attended a Sainsbury’s Local store car park in Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, on August 24.

Two men appeared to be asleep in a vehicle parked outside the store, in Collingwood Street.

As one officer went to arouse them there was a struggle, during which he attempted to arrest Stewart, placing a handcuff on one wrist.

But the defendant then took the syringe in his other hand and plunged it into a rear knuckle of the officer.

Stewart, 22, of Clervaux Terrace, Fishburn, County Durham, admitted a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.

But the court heard that it was on the basis that it was a reckless act, almost by mistake, rather than a deliberate bid to prevent the officer handcuffing him.

Joanne Kidd, prosecuting, told the court that the basis put forward by Stewart was “not acceptable” to the Crown.

“Discussions have taken place and as it’s not an acceptable basis it will require a trial of issue, or ‘Newton’ hearing, to resolve it," she said.

“The distinction is whether or not it was a reckless act or a deliberate assault on a police officer.

“Further medical evidence is awaited and hopefully that will be forthcoming by the date which has been identified for the Newton hearing.”

Miss Kidd said there should be a medical update available to the court by the time of the next hearing.

It is understood the officer has received prophylactic medication to prevent the potential of hepatitis developing, and also undergone testing for HIV as a result of the nature of the injury.

Recorder Jonathan Bennett adjourned the case until the trial of issue, in late February.

“There are two issues which need to be resolved. One is the extent of any injury to the officer which may not be known for some time," he said.

“Secondly, it will resolve whether you’re sentenced on the basis put forward on your plea, or the Crown’s version.”

Recorder Bennett bailed Stewart to return for the Newton hearing on a date to be agreed in the week beginning February 23.