A STORE detective has told of the torment he suffered waiting for the result of an Aids test after being stabbed in the eye with a drug user's syringe.

Nigel Wright was working at the Borough Parade in Chippenham when shoplifter Samuel Bryan attacked him with the hypodermic needle on May 31.

Bryan changed his plea to guilty on a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm just minutes before a judge was due to swear in a jury at Swindon Crown Court on Friday.

The 24-year-old defendant of Barton Hill, Bristol, had seen a video of the incident with his barrister and opted to change his plea.

Simeon Ritch, defending, said while admitting the charge his client denied saying: 'I'll sting you,' to Mr Wright before the incident behind the town's Littlewoods store.

Jason Taylor, prosecuting, said the Crown stood by its evidence and had witnesses who heard the words being said.

He said the plastic syringe, which had clearly been used before, was bent as a result of the attack on Mr Wright.

Judge Tom Longbotham adjourned the case for pre-sentence reports to be prepared on Bryan, who was remanded in custody.

After the hearing, Mr Wright, who is still working as a security guard in Chippenham, said: "I am very happy that he has wised up. It shows me that he realises what he did. Perhaps now he is facing the fact that he is wrong.

"It has been a nightmare five months for me.

"I am lucky I have had the support of my colleagues and my girlfriend through it all.

He said: "I had to wait almost four months for my test results to come through and fortunately I was all clear.

"The syringe had been used prior to stabbing me, but he wouldn't provide a sample of blood to help. It was terrible.

"After that the trial wasn't so much of a concern for me, though it is obviously important to see him convicted."

Mr Wright added: "Unfortunately shoplifting is becoming more and more common and it is being carried out by people to buy drugs and they will do anything to get money.

"The police have been very supportive coming down to talk to me and help me through this and I am back at work now, but I am a lot more aware of things."