A 'callous and calculating' rapist who deliberately infected vulnerable men with HIV has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 23 years. Adam Hall, 43, was diagnosed with HIV in 2010 and was prescribed medication to suppress his viral load. However, by 2016, medical professionals grew concerned that he was not adhering to his treatment, making him infectious to sexual partners.
Despite repeated warnings, Hall engaged in unprotected sex with men between 2016 and 2023, in some cases committing rape. He became only the second person in the UK to be convicted of intentionally transmitting HIV.
Prosecution Details
During the trial, prosecutor Kama Melly KC stated: 'The defendant knew from being repeatedly told about the risks of what he was doing, if he did not keep to the medication, if he did not stick to his treatment regime, and continued finding, repeatedly, young and often vulnerable males for sexual activity.'
Hall's victims ranged in age from 15 to late 20s. One victim, a schoolboy, learned he had contracted HIV in a phone call from health professionals moments after stepping off a school bus. Two others were just 17 and 18.
Judge's Remarks
Judge Edward Bindloss described Hall as 'dangerous' before imposing a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years and 42 days.
Amy Dixon of the Crown Prosecution Service commented: 'From the point of his initial HIV diagnosis, Adam Hall was wholly aware of the risks to himself and others if he failed to adhere to his medical treatment. Despite this, he repeatedly pursued sexual activity with his victims without disclosing his HIV status. In some cases, Hall performed these sexual acts without the consent of the victims, applying verbal or physical force to get what he wanted.'
She added: 'It is clear from his actions that Hall knew what he was doing and fully intended to cause the harmful lifelong consequences that his victims now face. We would like to praise the bravery of these men in coming forward to provide evidence and we hope that the conviction of Hall today provides some measure of justice for each of them.'
Additional Convictions
Hall was also found guilty of a drugs offence and failing to unlock his phone for police. Detectives are seeking other individuals who may have had sexual contact with Hall, as he traveled to various parts of the country, including County Durham, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Manchester, and London.
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Smith stated: 'Today, we have seen a callous and calculating sexual predator brought to justice. He has shown absolutely no remorse for the extensive suffering and distress he has caused.'
Smith noted that Hall had other sexual partners who have yet to be traced and encouraged anyone with health concerns to seek advice from local sexual health services.
Alice Wiseman, director of public health for Newcastle and Gateshead, assured that health services are ready to offer support without judgment, emphasizing that 'your health and safety is our priority.'
