Aids-threat robber who stabbed man with needle is jailed for five years

Scott Pooler had been caught red-handed after breaking into the home of a disabled couple in their 80s while they were out, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

The man and woman returned with a younger friend – Mark Jones – to find the 42-year-old defendant, who had 24 previous convictions involving 77 separate offences, at the address in Hillcrest Road, Dudley, on February 13.

The defendant pulled out a syringe, said he had Aids, and warned he was going to stab the younger man who had blocked his escape, explained Mr Paul Spratt, prosecuting.

Mr Jones bravely ignored the threat and received puncture wounds to a hand after grabbing hold of Pooler but did not let go of the intruder, the court was told.

He held onto him for about 10 minutes until police were able to reach the scene and arrest the defendant, continued Mr Spratt.

Mr Jones was taken to hospital and tested for Aids and Hepatitis B but will not know if he is in the clear for several months, it was said.

Pooler had stolen £2 worth of coins from a jar at the address and was found to be in possession of a small amount of cocaine for his own use.

He had been released early on licence from a five-year prison sentence less than three months earlier.

Miss Nicole Steers, defending, said: “He only used the needle to scare people.

“He had taken it with him because he is a drug user.”

Pooler, from Heathfield Road, Lozells, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of cocaine and was jailed for five years and four months.

Judge James Burbidge QC told him: “Mercifully the elderly occupants of the house were with Mr Jones, who had gone to assist them and is clearly made of stern stuff.

"You struggled and fought with him while he received puncture wounds which, no doubt, are causing him continuing anxiety.”