A sexual predator has been sentenced to life imprisonment for multiple counts of rape and grievous bodily harm through the intentional transmission of HIV.
Adam Hall, previously of the Washington area, Tyne and Wear, returned to Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, 23 April to be sentenced.
The 43-year-old was found guilty of five counts of rape and seven counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent through the intentional transmission of the HIV virus.
He was further found guilty of supplying a controlled drug (GHB) and failing to comply with a police investigation after refusing to provide the password to his phone.
The offences relate to seven victim-survivors, between 2016 and 2023.
Hall had denied the offences but on Thursday, March 5, following a four-month long trial, was found guilty.
During the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, the jury was told that if the HIV virus is undetectable in a person’s system it is untransmittable.
However, Hall knew at various points he had transmittable levels of the virus in his system and intentionally had unprotected sex – and in the majority of these cases raped the victim-survivors.
He becomes only the second person in the UK to be convicted of the intentional transmission of HIV.
Hall must serve at least 23 years in prison before he is eligible to apply for parole. As part of the sentence, Hall will also spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register.
Speaking after Hall’s sentencing hearing, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Emma Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: “Adam Hall has now been sentenced to life imprisonment for his abhorrent offending.
“We remain exceptionally grateful to the victim-survivors who came forward to report Hall’s crimes and who have bravely supported our investigation.
“It is because of them that this sexual predator is now behind bars and will be closely monitored for the rest of his life.
“I hope the outcome today can provide some sort of closure for them and allow them to move forward with their lives – if that is at all possible.”
She added: “We can confirm we have an ongoing investigation into further reports made in relation to Adam Hall.
“Our priority firmly remains supporting anyone who has been impacted by Hall’s actions in whatever way we can.
“Anyone who believes they may be a victim of a criminal offence is encouraged to come forward to ourselves.
“We have set-up a dedicated webpage for people to contact us, which can be accessed by visiting our website.
“We would further encourage anyone who may have health concerns to seek advice and support from your local sexual health services.
“There are safe places where you can access a broad range of services. We want people to know this is available confidentially and independently of the police."
To access local sexual health services, CLICK HERE
Alternatively, individuals can also contact their local GP or sexual health clinic such as Terrence Higgins Trust.
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