Man with 'Scottish accent' arrested over purposely spreading HIV

A man in Brighton with an alleged Scottish accent has been arrested over purposely spreading HIV to his partners.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Feb 2016, 15:45 BST
Updated 23rd Feb 2016, 15:50 BST
A man "with a Scottish accent" was arrested in BrightonA man "with a Scottish accent" was arrested in Brighton
A man "with a Scottish accent" was arrested in Brighton

Police are curently investigating claims he was diliberatly putting partners at risk by sabotaging condoms, when he claimed to be practising safe sex.

The unnamed man in his twenties, has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

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Brighton’s public health director Dr Tom Scanlon said: “I am therefore asking any man who may have had sexual contact with a man of this description between October 2015 and mid February 2016 to contact local sexual health services.

“Service providers will be able to offer advice on whether further testing is required.

“HIV is a serious condition, and there are other sexually transmitted infections which can be acquired during unsafe sex.

“Early diagnosis and treatments are available and the message of safe sex with the clear and consistent use of condoms remains as strong as ever.

“We are working closely with the police, Public Health England and our partners in sexual health services on this matter.

“I would encourage anyone with concerns relating to this individual to contact their local sexual health services.”

The man is currently believed to be on bail - and is also on bail from other matters in Scotland.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Sussex Police is investigating reports that a man has been intentionally putting sexual partners at risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases by deliberately sabotaging safe sex practices.

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“This is believed to have taken place in Brighton between October last year and February 2016.

“The man is in his 20s and has a Scottish accent. The suspect has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and is currently on police bail.

“The police are appealing for anyone who thinks they may have had a sexual encounter with this man to come forward so that any relevant information can be investigated.”

Anyone with health concerns should call the Terrence Higgins Trust on 01273 764200 or Claude Nicol Centre on 01273 523388.

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