The first man in England to be convicted of infecting his sex partners with HIV has been jailed for eight years.
Last month the 37 year-old man from south London was convicted of “biological” grevious bodily harm after infecting two women with HIV.
The November 2003 edition of AIDS Treatment update will include a special feature written by an academic expert on this area of law on the implications of this case for people with HIV and the medical profession.
The case has received considerable press attention, particularly the prosecution evidence which suggested that the two women infected by the man could be “dead within ten years.” Several papers said the man had sentenced the women “to death”. Ironically, in the same week these papers also gave prominence to a study in the Lancet which stressed the improved prognosis of people with HIV thanks to HAART.
Further information on this website
Man found guilty of English offence of grievous bodily harm after infecting sex partners with HIV - news story
HAART continues to improve survival, but not all HIV risk groups benefit equally - news story