Anger as dumped syringe sticks in trainer of boy, 10

A 10-YEAR-OLD boy was taken to hospital as a precaution when a large syringe got stuck in his shoe.

Jake Minnett was walking with his friend and friend’s father Leon Padfield in Llanharry, Rhondda Cynon Taff, when the incident happened on Thursday.

Once alerted to it, Mr Padfield quickly removed it from Jake’s trainer and luckily, the needle, the contents of which are still not known, did not pierce his skin.

His grandmother Ann Dudford said: “When I heard what had happened I was shaking and trying very hard to make light of it as not to show Jake how serious things were.”

The incident happened when Mr Padfield was walking his own son and Jake, who is from Llantrisant, down from the bus stop near Trecastle Estate in Llanharry.

Mr Padfield explained: “I was walking in front whilst my boy and his mate were laughing and joking as kids do behind me, when I heard them say ‘you have a syringe stuck in your foot.’

“When I turned around, my son’s friend was stood there with said syringe sticking out of his trainer. I removed the syringe and had to take the boy down to his grandparents’ house and tell them the awful news.

“I asked him ‘did it pierce the skin?’ and he said no, but it quite easily could have without him noticing as it was a fine tip needle. I’m also well aware it could have just been someone using it for medical reasons.”

Ms Dudford said the situation had been a “nightmare”, and that she and Jake’s parents were “really angry” the needle had been left lying in the streets.

Jake was taken straight to hospital by his grandmother, where he was seen in a few hours, and the needle safely disposed of.

Ms Dudford explained: “The doctor could not see a puncture wound and was happy all his jabs were up to date. We were too afraid to keep his trainers so they went in the bin.”

Mr Padfield added: “I don’t think it was used where it was found, and being close to a junction, I think it was thrown from a car on the main road. I don’t think Llanharry has a drug problem – the most people around here moan about is dog mess.”

A spokesman for Rhondda Cynon Taf council said: “Whenever the council receives a complaint about a discarded syringe our Streetcare Team attends the area to look for, remove and safely dispose of it as soon as possible. This incident has been reported to the council. If a resident finds a discarded syringe, they should report it to the council immediately.”

To report a discarded syringe in Rhondda Cynon Taff, call environmental services on 01443 425001.