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Luke Davis, 31, of George Street, Kidderminster, appeared at Hereford Crown Court charged with unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm. Davis had pleaded not guilty at previous hearings, but today (Monday) a jury found him guilty. He is due to be sentenced in January next year. Davis’s victim has bravely spoken out about the "life sentence" they are having to serve every day because of his reckless behaviour. “Luke has never had to face the consequences of his actions, nor has he ever taken responsibility for what he has done,” they said. “Today he has had to face up to his crime and has been held accountable, not only for his actions but also for all the pain and suffering he has caused me. “He has left me with a life sentence - I have gone from being healthy to living with a lifelong disease, HIV, which I now must accept and manage as a disability through no fault of my own. “This diagnosis and the stigma attached to HIV has profoundly impacted my physical and mental health. “It has left me with significant trust issues, feeling anxious and isolated, and it will continue to shape my life forever.” Davis’s victim discovered they were HIV positive when they had a routine screening in 2021 and reported the matter to police, believing he had recklessly exposed them and others to the virus. After the informant reported him to police, an investigation was started which uncovered Davis had been regularly sexually promiscuous and had several other sexual partners. Officers made a public appeal working closely with health authorities for other potential victims to come forward, as well as signposting to sexual health clinics and HIV testing services. No further victims have been identified to date. Officers investigating the case - the first of its kind for West Mercia Police - found Davis had been diagnosed as HIV positive in 2017. However, police discovered that although he initially remained compliant with his testing and medication, he "disengaged completely" from HIV care in 2019. Subsequent testing of Davis and his victim by specialist doctors concluded that in their professional opinion there was a strong likelihood of a transmission between the suspect and the victim. Detective Superintendent Gerard Smith said: “Today’s court result is hugely important for the victim, who will continue to receive medical treatment for the rest of their life, as a direct result of Davis’s reckless behaviour. “I would like to praise the victim for their remarkable courage in reporting Davis to police and their ongoing bravery shown during what has been a complex and sensitive investigation.”
