Man jailed for criminal transmission of HIV

A Kidderminster man has been sentenced to four and a half years for recklessly infecting another person with HIV.

Luke Davis, 31, of George Street, Kidderminster, was handed the term at Hereford Justice Centre following a trial in October where he was charged with unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Davis had pleaded not guilty at earlier hearings, but a jury found him guilty of the offence – the first of its kind for West Mercia Police - in October and today he was sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment and a victim surcharge.

Today, His Honour Judge Jackson said Davis had behaved "utterly irresponsibly" and decided to withhold his diagnosis for selfish reasons which selfishly exposed his partner to contracting HIV.

Davis’ victim discovered they were HIV positive when they had a routine screening in 2021 and reported the matter to police, believing he had recklessly exposed them and others to the virus.

After the informant reported him to police, an investigation was started which uncovered Davis had had several other sexual partners.

Officers made a public appeal working closely with Public Health at the time for other potential victims to come forward, as well as signposting to sexual health clinics and HIV testing services. No further victims have been identified to date.

Police investigating the case discovered that although he initially remained compliant with testing and medication, he disengaged completely from HIV care in 2019.

Subsequent testing of Davis and his victim by specialist doctors concluded there was a strong likelihood of a transmission between the suspect and the victim.

Detective Superintendent Gerard Smith said: “We welcome today’s sentencing which is hugely important for the victim, who will continue to receive medical treatment for the rest of their life, as a direct result of Davis’ reckless behaviour.

“I would like to praise the victim again for their remarkable courage in reporting Davis to police and their ongoing bravery shown during what has been a complex and sensitive investigation.”

Davis’ victim made a statement on his conviction about how his malicious actions had impacted their life which you can read here.

Giovanni D’Alessandro from the Crown Prosecution Service added: “This was a reckless and selfish individual who has caused irreparable damage by his actions.

"Luke Davis had been on the appropriate medication and knew he had to take it every day and have regular check-ups.

“His medication reduced the viral load to such a low level that it was controlled and could not be passed on.

“It was his choice to stop taking it and to stop attending clinic appointments.

“He further failed to inform the victim of his diagnosis and recklessly put them at risk of contracting the disease which they subsequently did.

“The prosecution was able to prove to a jury that Davis’ actions were criminal. The victim now faces the life-long impact of living with HIV.

“We hope the sentence imposed provides some measure of justice to the victim and dissuades others from this type of dangerous and reckless behaviour.”

• HIV is a virus that weakens your immune system and increases your risk of serious illness. However, there are very effective treatments that can help people living with HIV to have a full and healthy life when diagnosed early.

 Anyone who is concerned they may have been put at risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is advised to get tested.

Confidential testing will help you receive effective treatments if you test positive for HIV or any STI.

• Anyone living in Worcestershire can book an HIV and STI test online at https://sh24.org.uk/.
• If you would like further help or support, and for those wanting to access sexual health services outside of Worcestershire, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services/