Nationwide search for gay man who infected partner

By Tony Grew • August 29, 2006 - 0:00

James, a 47-year-old florist, became the first gay man to be convicted for knowingly transmitting HIV.

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Police have asked for help in tracing a gay man who was convicted earlier this month of recklessly infecting his lover with HIV.

Mark James absconded before he was sentenced, and is currently on the run.

Acting Detective Inspector Mike Sunman, of Hounslow Police, described James as a danger to public health, and appealed for help in tracing him.

"This crime was carried out when he was in a long-term relationship - but the longer that he is out there, the more likely it is that he will start another relationship. Does he present a risk to the public? The answer is yes," DI. Sunman told reporters.

James, a 47-year-old florist, became the first gay man to be convicted for knowingly transmitting HIV.

He was sentenced to 40 months at Isleworth Crown Court earlier this month. He was convicted of causing actual bodily harm to his partner but failed to appear at the sentencing hearing and has been on the run since then.

He had initially pleaded guilty, but later argued the court could not prove he had caused his partner to contract the virus.

James, formerly of Park Road, Burgess Hill, Sussex, had been aware of his HIV+ status since 2004, but had not informed his partner.

Acting DI Sunman said: "His victim showed great courage in coming forward and committing to a case which took almost two years to reach a successful conclusion.

"The Met police are now committed to ensuring that James is tracked down and put before the court so that he can be held accountable for his actions."

Anyone with any information about James' whereabouts should contact the CID at Hounslow Police on 0208 721 9104 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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