A POLICE officer had an HIV scare after a woman failed to tell her there was a used needle in her pocket.

The female police officer had to undergo blood tests and was prescribed with medication to fight against HIV after conducting a search.

The scare took place after police were called out to the home of Carol Brownlee after a report was received concerning her well-being.

Sentenced at Glasgow Sheriff Court, 50-year-old Brownlee, who has a history of drug misuse, was in her flat on Tollcross Road, when police arrived.

After talking to Brownlee, who was in an agitated state at the time, the court heard that officers had reason to search her.

Before conducting the search the officer, who was 33-years-old at the time, asked the accused if she had any sharp objects in her pockets.

The officer did feel something in the accused’s pocket but Brownlee said it was a lighter.

It was then the officer jabbed herself on what turned out to be an uncapped hypodermic needle in the pocket.

Both Brownlee and the female officer where then taken to the Royal Infirmary where they were treated.

Brownlee refused treatment and was then taken to a nearby police office.

The officer was prescribed with medication as a precautionary measure against HIV.

The court went on to hear the threat of contracting the disease subsided, but did “cause concern” for her health.

Brownlee admitted that on November 24 2015 at Tollcross Road she failed to disclose she was in possession of an uncapped hypodermic needle after being asked by the officer conducting the search.

The same charge continued to say the officer was injured as a consequence - exposing her to the risk of infection.

She also admitted to having 0.3 grams of cannabis in her possession.

Brownlee’s defending solicitor said her client’s recollection of events was vague but showed “genuine remorse” for the distress she may have caused the officer.

She was placed under supervision for 15 months.