Man charged and deliberately infecting victims with HIV appears in court

A man accused of raping five other men and deliberately infecting seven with HIV has appeared in court.

Adam Hall, 42, was remanded in custody at by magistrates in South Tyneside on Wednesday and will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on July 2.

He has also been charged with two counts of controlling or coercive behaviour and another of supplying GHB.

Detective chief inspector Emma Smith said: ‘Following a significant investigation, an individual has been charged with multiple counts of rape and other extremely serious offences.

‘We recognise the nature of the charges may raise concern and anxiety within our communities. We would encourage anyone who does have concerns or believes they have information which is relevant to this case to come forward.

‘With criminal proceedings now active we would also remind people that it is important to avoid speculation, both online and in our communities, as this could impact the case.’

Northumbria Police also reiterated that anyone who reports being a victim of any kind of sexual offence has anonymity.

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