Rapist who deliberately infected vulnerable victims with HIV jailed for life

A ‘callous and calculating’ rapist who deliberately infected vulnerable men with HIV has been jailed for at least 23 years.

Adam Hall, 43, was diagnosed with the virus in 2010 and took medication to keep his viral load down.

But in 2016, medical professionals became concerned that was not adhering to his treatment, making him infectious to others he slept with.

Despite being warned, Hall had unprotected sex with men between 2016 and 2023, in some cases raping them.

He became just the second person in the UK to be convicted of intentional transmission of HIV.

In her opening speech in November, prosecutor Kama Melly KC said: ‘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 were aged from late 20s down to just 15, with the schoolboy finding out he had contracted HIV in a phone call from health professionals moments after he stepped off a school bus.

Two of them were just 17 and 18.

Judge Edward Bindloss deemed Hall ‘dangerous’ before jailing him for life with a minimum term of 23 years and 42 days.

Amy Dixon, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: ‘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.

‘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.’

Hall was also convicted of a drugs offense and failing to unlock his phone for police.

Detectives are keen to trace other people who may have had sex with Hall, as he travelled to different parts of the country, including County Durham, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Manchester, and London, to meet men.

After Hall was convicted, Detective Chief Inspector Emma Smith said: ‘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.’

She said Hall had other sexual partners who have yet to be traced, adding: ‘There is also evidence he has travelled to different parts of the country, including County Durham, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Manchester, and London.

‘We would encourage anyone who may have health concerns to seek advice and support from your local sexual health services.’

Alice Wiseman, director of public health for Newcastle and Gateshead, said health services were ready to offer support to people concerned about prior contact with Hall.

She said: ‘There is no judgment and your health and safety is our priority.’

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