A DRUG addict who is HIV positive was jailed yesterday after biting

his former girlfriend.

John Dowling attacked Ms Margaret McDonald, 33, on New Year's Day and

bit her on the neck.

Dowling, 30, of Calder Grove, Edinburgh, was sentenced to six months

at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

He admitted assaulting Ms McDonald, 33, in her house in Wester Hailes,

punching her, pulling her hair, and biting her on the neck.

He also admitted committing an offence while on bail and breaching a

bail condition not to approach Ms McDonald.

The court heard that he started drinking at 10am on January 1, and

that, combined with drugs, made his behaviour very erratic.

He assaulted Ms McDonald in her bedroom then tried to follow her

downstairs but fell because he was so drunk.

Dowling's solicitor said he went to the house at the woman's

invitation only to collect some of his clothes.

He said he had found work as a labourer and had no previous

convictions for assault.

Sheriff Andrew Lothian jailed Dowling for three months for assault and

three months for the bail offences.