Gay man charged with spreading HIV

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

A florist has become the first gay man to be convicted of recklessly passing on the HIV virus to another person.

The man, who cannot be named, was labelled “callous” for infecting his lover during a two year relationship, in which he failed to inform his partner of the disease.

Isleworth Crown Court found the 47 year old guilty of grievous bodily harm after he changed his plea when confronted with scientific proof.

His ex partner found out about the condition through a mutual friend, the man initially denied having the virus.

He now faces a jail sentence and joins six others who have been convicted of infecting people with HIV over the last three years in the UK.

Detective Constable Elliot Toms said: “He is a callous individual who has behaved in an unfaithful way. He gave us no indication as to his intent or motivation.”