News / Crime
Man jailed for infecting two people with HIV
A man who infected two women with HIV after claiming he was allergic to condoms and lying about taking his medication has been jailed for five years in a rare prosecution.
Simon James, 46, of Bradley Stoke, was found guilty at Bristol Crown Court, and was sentenced for two counts of “recklessly transmitting HIV” on Friday.
After what was described as an “extremely complex and rare investigation”, he became just the third person to have been subject to a guilty verdict for his offence in UK legal history.
James was diagnosed with HIV in the mid-1990s but failed to use contraception, attend hospital appointments or take his antiretroviral medication.
He claimed he was allergic to latex condoms and that he was taking his medication, insisting to his victims that unprotected sex with him was safe and that he had never infected anyone before.
Ben Sullivan, police investigating officer in the case, said: “Simon James had been aware of his HIV status and yet failed to use his antiretroviral medication or use contraception.
“He was advised of the dangers of unsafe sex and the importance of taking his medication by healthcare professionals on countless occasions while he also missed up to 49 appointments for viral load monitoring between 1999 and 2014.
“He was aware of the risk to others and chose to ignore them regardless. As a result, his victims have suffered greatly and I can only praise them for their bravery.
“This has been an extremely complex and rare investigation and I am pleased the jury were able to see through his lies and that he has been punished accordingly.”
Stephen Dent, from the Crown Prosecution Service, added: “The HIV virus is highly complex and prosecutions based upon its transmission are similarly complicated.
“We are therefore pleased that with the help of some of the country’s foremost virology experts, Simon James’ dangerous behaviour has been exposed and he has been punished for the lifelong injury he has caused his victims.
“His selfish and irresponsible approach has had tragic consequences for both his victims.”
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