A man from Worcestershire has been sentenced to prison after a court found him guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm by knowingly infecting a sexual partner with HIV.
Reckless actions lead to a 'life sentence' for victim
Luke Davis, aged 31, of George Street in Kidderminster, was handed a prison term of four years and six months. The court heard how his deliberate choice not to inform his victim of his HIV-positive status, coupled with his failure to take medication that prevents transmission, amounted to a reckless act.
Prosecutors argued that Davis's actions had effectively given the victim a "life sentence" of living with the disease. The emotional and physical impact on the individual was described as profound during the sentencing hearing.
Failure to disclose and medicate
The case centred on Davis's twin failures: he did not disclose his medical condition to his partner, and he neglected to take the antiretroviral drugs he had been prescribed. This medication is highly effective at suppressing the virus to undetectable levels, which also prevents sexual transmission.
By ignoring this crucial treatment, Davis created a situation where the risk of transmission was significantly heightened. The court viewed this as a key element of the grievous bodily harm offence.
Justice served and a stark warning
The sentence, delivered in January 2026, sends a clear message about the serious legal consequences of such reckless behaviour. West Mercia Police released an undated custody photograph of Davis following the conviction.
This case highlights the critical importance of:
- Honest communication about sexual health between partners.
- Adherence to medical treatment for those living with HIV.
- The severe legal ramifications of knowingly exposing others to serious harm.
The victim's ordeal underscores the lasting damage caused by Davis's actions, moving beyond physical health to encompass significant psychological trauma.
