Adam Hall, a 43-year-old man from Washington, Tyne and Wear, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 23 years and 42 days at Newcastle Crown Court for intentionally transmitting HIV to multiple men and raping four victims. The case marks only the second conviction in England for the intentional transmission of HIV, according to Northumbria Police. Hall was found guilty of seven counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to transmitting HIV, as confirmed by research from two sources. The prosecution stated that Hall was HIV positive at the time of the offences and knew his status, and that he intended to transmit HIV to the complainants. In relation to four victims, Hall was also convicted of rape and GBH with intent, according to research from two sources.
The youngest victim, referred to as Sam, met Hall when he was 15, according to major media reports. Sam was told he was HIV-positive at age 16, just after getting off the school bus, as stated in his victim impact statement reported by major media. According to research from two sources, Sam was deliberately given HIV by Hall, who also raped him. Sam now takes daily medication to keep his viral load undetectable, according to research from two sources. Four victims read personal statements in court, as reported by major media. The judge said Hall poses a 'high risk of causing serious harm,' according to a press conference. Richard Angell, chief executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, praised the victims for their courage in an official statement. He also said the actions of one man should not be used to further stigmatize people living with HIV.
The judge said Hall poses a 'high risk of causing serious harm'.
Hall refused to appear in court to hear his sentence. During the trial, Hall claimed in court that he had been taking medication to keep his viral load undetectable, but jurors concluded this was a lie, according to court testimony. The court heard that Hall had used dating apps such as Grindr to meet his victims.
In relation to four victims, Hall was convicted of rape and GBH with intent, according to research from two sources. The convictions cover a period of several years, during which Hall targeted vulnerable men. The Crown Prosecution Service, represented by Edward Bindloss, prosecuted the case. Kama Melly, Emma Smith, and Amy Dixon also worked on the case, according to court records.
Police believe Hall may have abused other men across the UK, including from County Durham, Middlesbrough, North and West Yorkshire, Manchester, and London, according to Northumbria Police. Hall's background includes being from Washington, Tyne and Wear, as reported by major media. It remains unknown how many additional victims may exist across the UK. Hall's motive for infecting and raping the victims has not been established. It is also unclear whether Hall had any prior convictions or history of similar offenses. The specific evidence that led the jury to convict Hall has not been publicly detailed. The reason Hall refused to appear in court for sentencing remains unknown.