Ex-soldier, 41, is jailed after BITING policeman's arm in 'barbaric' attack that left officer fearing he may have HIV

• A former soldier who bit a police officer's arm has been jailed for 12 months 
• Daniel Chipchase, 41, of Rochdale, attacked officer while looking through bins
• PC Ashley Marsden is awaiting test results for HIV, hepatitis and other infections 

A drunken former soldier has been jailed for 12 months after biting a hero policeman on the arm in an attack that left the officer waiting months to find out if the 'barbaric' mauling has left him infected with HIV.

PC Ashley Marsden suffered 'excruciating' pain when Daniel Chipchase, 41, of Middleton, Rochdale, sank his teeth into his right forearm as he was confronted last month for rummaging around in his neighbour's wheelie bins.

PC Marsden had to be treated in hospital for scarring to his arm which he fears could be permanent. He is now awaiting the results of tests for HIV, hepatitis and other infections and is now nervous when sent out alone on jobs.

'I was in excruciating pain and had to punch the defendant in the face in order to release myself from his grip,' PC Marsden said in a statement read to Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester.

'I then had to be taken to hospital and have my arm triaged as it was bleeding and I had to have three injections, blood, boosters and antibiotics. I was worried I may have contracted HIV or hepatitis from the bite.

'This incident came out of nothing when the defendant became aggressive. Four officers tried to calm him down to stop him hurting himself or others but it had no effect. He was under the influence of drink or drugs but that is no excuse.

'I do not come to work to be subjected to this kind of disgusting behaviour while doing my job. My family and I have months of worry to face while we wait for the results of blood tests so we know whether I contracted any diseases off him.  

'I have always tried to shelter my partner from some of the sorts of experiences I have had at work but this is now impossible and she is now very worried about me whenever I go to work. This is last thing we could want during this pandemic.' 

The incident occurred at 10:30pm on April 6 when the officer and a colleague were called to Chipchase's home after reports from neighbours he was behaving erratically.

Prosecutor Kate Hammond said: 'Police arrived and started to see a man moving bins around and putting rubbish in them. He was identified by the members of the public who had called as the man they were concerned about and the officers went to speak to him.

'He appeared to be drunk and was smelling of alcohol and was slurring his words as they asked him for his name which he said was 'Dave'.

'A couple more officers arrived who tried to talk to him and find out more details. He started shouting, refused to engage and became aggressive. PC Marsden then arrested him for a breach of the peace.

'The defendant then grabbed the officer's trouser pocket and pulled him towards him and the defendant tried to pull the officer to the floor. Three other officers had to fight with the defendant to regain control. CCTV shows the officers constantly asking him to calm down saying that was all they wanted him to do.

'During the restraint the defendant lent forward and bit PC Marsden on his right lower forearm and the officer had to hit back in order to regain his grip. The defendant was arrested for the assault and cautioned. Again he was being aggressive, putting his arm on the officer's trousers and refusing to let go. Officers had to restrain him again but he continued to be aggressive and officers were asking him to calm down.

'The officers had to use CS spray in order to calm the situation down and for their own safety.

'The prosecution say the biting was equivalent to the use of a weapon and that it was a serious if not a sustained attack bearing in mind the effect on the victim and the current pandemic.'

In mitigation defence lawyer Gemma Maxwell said: 'The defendant expressed remorse when interviewed after the incident. Alcohol was a factor in this case, which is an aggravating feature and not an excuse- but it could be addressed by treatment.' 

Sentencing Judge Tina Landale said: 'This incident has caused real pain, distress and anxiety for your victim and they were worried about the risk of catching HIV and hepatitis from your bite. The officer worries the scarring may be permanent.

'I accept you have served the county and been remorseful and this offence is completely out of character for you.

'I have come to the view that I cannot suspend your sentence. You assaulted a police officer in the midst of a public health emergency and there must be an element of deterrence.'

PC Daniella Capper of GMP's Rochdale District said: 'As police officers we do not come to work and expect to be assaulted. The officer involved was subject to an unprovoked barbaric assault from Chipchase.

'We hope this result sends a clear message that this type of behaviour towards our officers will not be tolerated on the streets of Manchester and is totally unacceptable.'