Man gets three years probation in HIV case

A 23-year-old man who admitted having sex with his girlfriend without disclosing that he had tested positive for HIV was today put on probation for three years.

The man was charged in November with sexually assaulting the 20-year-old woman; it was alleged he knew he had the virus but failed to inform her of that fact. The two are still in a relationship, one of the factors of the case considered by Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner.

As part of his probation, the man must be assessed and monitored and participate in “any treatment and rehabilitation of the HIV virus and any associated medical conditions”.

In sentencing the man, Mr Warner said: “For whatever reason, it seems you are reluctant or disinterested in getting help but you must cooperate.”

In December, the man pleaded guilty to the charge.