Garda bitten by HIV man.....Assault causing harm....Attempted murder more like

Garda bitten by HIV man in family row

A GARDA had to wait six months to find out if he had contracted HIV after he was bitten during a domestic disturbance, a court has heard.

Noel Winterlich (34) of Edgeworth Court, Enfield , Co Meath, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm on November 9, 2008 on Cork Street, Dublin.

Judge Carmel Stewart remanded him on continuing bail until sentencing in March.

Sergeant Michael Nagle told the court Winterlich broke the garda's skin and drew blood.

Winterlich suffers from hepatitis and HIV but the garda was given the all- clear six months after the incident.

Sgt Nagle said the victim had to take antiretroviral medication which had an adverse affect on his health. He was under severe stress while awaiting the results and suffered embarrassment because he had to get multiple tests in a clinic based in an area where he policed.

The incident occurred while Winterlich's young son was staying with him. The child's mother was concerned for her son's safety but when she went to pick him up Winterlich and the child were not there.

She called the gardai who arrived shortly before Winterlich returned with the boy. When he tried to go into the bedroom to confront her, gardai restrained him because they were concerned for the child's safety.

The court was told the defendant was a long-term drug addict.