A Customs officer at Dublin Airport, who was bitten while attempting to stop a suspected drug-smuggler from swallowing "an undisclosed object", has been awarded £10,000 damages in Dublin Circuit Civil Court. Mr Jim O'Callaghan, counsel for Mr Declan Smyth, Orlynn Park, Lusk, Co Dublin, said his client had been bitten on the right thumb and was distressed because of the risk of HIV infection. Subsequent tests had proved to be negative. Ms Patricia Moran, counsel for the defendants, the Revenue Commissioners, said contributory negligence had been claimed in her clients' defence.