Needle injury worker's all-clear

The man said he felt a 'sharp pain' after pricking his hand on a syringe

A recycling collector says he has been through a "living nightmare" waiting three months for test results after pricking his finger on a syringe.

The needle was amongst cans in a black rubbish sack left on top of a recycling box in the Thornhill area of Cwmbran.

He had to be tested for hepatitis A, B and C, HIV and syphilis following the incident in February.

After receiving the all-clear he said: ""I was shaking when I received the results - I feared a death sentence."

The man, who has not been named, works for Torfaen Council said the needle was among cans in a black rubbish sack left on top of a recycling box.

"I was just going about my normal day job - I felt a sharp pain and when I looked I couldn't believe my eyes," he said.

"I've been living a nightmare for the last three months not knowing whether I've been infected.

"I was shaking when I received the results because I feared they were going to be a death sentence. I was so relieved when I heard everything was going to be ok."

A Torfaen council spokesman said it was totally irresponsible for someone to leave a needle in a plastic bag.

He said only a small minority of residents contaminated their recycling with items like used nappies, sanitary towels, dog faeces and broken glass.

"We are relieved that the collector has been given the all clear," he said.

"Cases like this highlight how important it is to only put out the correct materials in your black box."

The incident has been reported to Gwent Police.