AN HIV-positive man has walked free from court after admitting biting a Brighton policeman and putting him in fear of contracting the deadly Aids disease.

PC Daren Egan had to wait an anxious six months before doctors gave him the all-clear, Croydon Crown Court was told. Sonny Edwards, 35, of Percival Terrace, Kemp Town, Brighton, pleaded guilty to causing bodily harm, criminal damage and having a meat cleaver as an offensive weapon. He was given probation and today, PC Egan, 29, described the sentence as "unbelievable". He said: "I went through hell for six months. I would have lost my career, my partner, everything. I needed counselling and still have the scars where he bit me. I am shocked and surprised by the sentencing. This won't act as a deterrent." Suvi Wheeler, prosecuting, said Edwards, a known drug-user and homosexual, used the cleaver to smash a display cabinet in a Hove restaurant. Police later went to his home. She said: "He became very violent and more officers were called to the scene and they were punched and kicked. "PC Egan was bitten on the left forearm and had three puncture marks. There was concern, because Edward's ear had been cut by his earring, and was bleeding." In February final tests showed PC Egan was out of danger. Adam Jay, defending, said all the offences occurred because Edwards, a schizophrenic, had not been taking his medication. Judge John Pullinger, after reading a psychiatric report on Edwards, who had several previous convictions, placed him on three years' probation on condition he keeps taking his tablets.

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