UK Man Jailed After Knowingly Transmitting HIV to Sexual Partner

A 31-year-old man from Kidderminster has been sentenced to more than four years in prison after a court found that he knowingly exposed a sexual partner to HIV and failed to take steps to prevent transmission.

Luke Davis was convicted at Hereford Crown Court of inflicting grievous bodily harm and received a sentence of four years and six months. The court heard that Davis did not disclose his HIV status to the victim and had stopped taking prescribed medication designed to suppress the virus and prevent it from being passed on.

Medical evidence presented during the trial showed that Davis tested positive for HIV in August 2017 and began treatment the following year. He was advised to take daily medication and attend regular medical reviews but failed to comply. Records revealed he stopped attending check-ups in 2018 and discontinued medication deliveries in 2019. Investigators later found unused medication dating back to that period.

The victim later tested positive for HIV during a routine screening in 2021. Further analysis confirmed they had the same strain of the virus as Davis. The matter was subsequently reported to police, triggering a criminal investigation.

During sentencing, the judge described Davis’ conduct as irresponsible, noting that his decision to withhold his diagnosis placed his partner at serious risk. Prosecutors outlined that while Davis had other sexual partners, no additional victims have been identified.

The Crown Prosecution Service said the case demonstrated the serious consequences of failing to follow medical advice and disclose relevant health information. West Mercia Police also commended the victim for coming forward and cooperating throughout what authorities described as a complex and sensitive investigation.