A DRUG addict who stabbed a security guard in the face with a used hypodermic needle has been jailed for five years.

His victim, Nigel Wright, underwent AIDS and hepatitis tests and a three-month wait to see if he had caught anything as a result of his injuries.

Habitual shoplifter and heroin user Samuel Bryan turned on Mr Wright when it became clear that he was not going to get away after a chase through the streets of Chippenham.

Tim Hills, prosecuting, said Mr Wright saw Bryan rooting around in bins in a private area at the rear of Littlewoods on May 31. Bryan ran away across the river bridge, with Mr Wright giving chase. He finally caught up with him on Avenue La Fleche.

Bryan turned on Mr Wright, brandishing a syringe, lunged at him and the two men struggled and rolled over on the ground.

"Bryan stabbed him in the face about six times shouting 'I'm going to kill you. I'm going to blind you'. Mr Wright managed to deflect some of the blows but received substantial scratching around the eye and temple," Mr Hills said.

Two police officers driving past went to help and apprehended Bryan, who again tried to get away.

Bryan pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent but changed his plea to guilty on the morning of the trial.

Simeon Rich, defending, said his client wanted to make it clear he did not have any diseases and denied he had threatened the guard.

Jailing Bryan for five years, Judge John McNaught told him: "It must be one of the worst dreads anyone could imagine, to be stabbed by a heroin addict's needle.

"You did that deliberately. You made a determined attempt to stab Mr Wright in his face near his eye. It is very fortunate he kept his eye.

"You were truculent at the scene and right up to the day of the trial you didn't admit anything."

Afterwards Mr Wright said: "Five years is good because it may stop others."