A man described as a 'callous, calculating sexual predator' has been jailed for life for raping and deliberately infecting young, vulnerable men with HIV. Adam Hall, 43, of Washington, Tyne and Wear, was sentenced to a minimum of 23 years and 42 days at Newcastle Crown Court, meaning he will be 67 before he is eligible for parole.
Hall was found guilty of charges relating to the deliberate infection of seven males, four of whom he raped. One victim was just 15 years old, with the others in their late teens and early 20s. The court heard that Hall targeted younger, sexually inexperienced men, meeting them in bars or on the dating app Grindr.
During the trial, Hall refused to leave his cell for sentencing, a move the judge described as 'entirely in keeping with the indifference you’ve shown to the suffering of others.' Detective Chief Inspector Emma Smith of Northumbria Police said Hall showed 'absolutely no remorse' and suggested victims wanted to be infected, which she said was 'absolutely not the case.'
Victims described lasting trauma. One said learning he was HIV positive as he got off the school bus changed his life 'in an instant.' Another stated he was left 'the shell of who I was.' Detectives believe there may be more victims across England and are urging them to come forward.
Hall was diagnosed with HIV in 2010 but failed to disclose his status to partners between 2016 and 2023. He traveled to various parts of England, including County Durham, Middlesbrough, and London, to meet men. Authorities are working to trace other potential victims and have offered support through local health services.
