A KIDDERMINSTER man has been jailed to four-and-a-half years for recklessly infecting another person with HIV.
Luke Davis, 31, of George Street, was handed the term at Hereford Justice Centre today (Monday, January 12) following a trial in October where he was charged with unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm.
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.
Davis 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.
As well as the jail term, Davis must also pay a victim surcharge.
Police investigating the case discovered that although Davis 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.
Det Supt Gerard Smith from West Mercia Police 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.”
‘Irreparable damage’
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.”
‘Life sentence’
Following the trial in October, Davis’ victim has bravely spoken out about the ‘life sentence’ they were having to serve every day because of his reckless behaviour.
“Luke has never had to face the consequences of his actions, nor has he ever taken responsibility for what he has done,” they said.
“Today he has had to face up to his crime and has been held accountable, not only for his actions but also for all the pain and suffering he has caused me.
“He has left me with a life sentence – I have gone from being healthy to living with a lifelong disease, HIV, which I now must accept and manage as a disability through no fault of my own.
“This diagnosis and the stigma attached to HIV has profoundly impacted my physical and mental health.
“It has left me with significant trust issues – feeling anxious and isolated, and it will continue to shape my life forever.”
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus which weakens the 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 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 people receive effective treatments if they test positive for HIV or any STI.
Anyone living in Worcestershire can visit: sh24.org.uk to book an HIV and STI test online.
