A MAN has admitted endangering a police officer who found an exposed needle on him during a search.

Ronald Maccafferty accepted a charge of culpably and recklessly denying being in possession of the item when police advised him he was going to be searched at Crosshouse Hospital on September 18, 2020.

Maccafferty, 38, was asked whether he had any sharp items on him that might injure officers - and a constable who carried out the search found an unguarded and uncapped hypodermic syringe with the needle attached concealed within his clothing.

The charge against Maccafferty, of Barony Terrace in Kilbirnie, adds that he “did expose the officer to the danger and risk of infection and injury”.

The accused pleaded guilty and sentence was deferred at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court until July 13 for the preparation of background reports.

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