Man ‘deliberately gave two ex-girlfriends HIV’

Court told he knew he had virus

A MAN deliberately infected two ex-girlfriends with HIV, a court heard yesterday.

The 27-year-old accused – who cannot be named to protect the identities of the women – knew he had the disease when he slept with them between November 2009 and June 2010, a jury was told.

He denies intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm.

Prosecution counsel Dominic Mcginn told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that HIV is a life-altering virus that can be spread by having unprotected sex and that it can be life-threatening if left untreated. He said the jury would hear the man was in relationships with both women at the time but neither complainant knew about the other.

He said there would be evidence that no condoms or barrier protection was used during sex in either relationship.

Mr Mcginn added it was the State’s case that in early 2010 one complainant became pregnant and was diagnosed with HIV after a standard screening process. He told the jury it would hear the man was also tested as a result and he appeared surprised by a positive diagnosis.

Counsel said the second complainant was tested and diagnosed in June 2010. Mr Mcginn told the jury there would be evidence the man subsequently had babies with both women but the children did not contract the virus.

He said it was the prosecution’s case that the man had been diagnosed with HIV in March 2008, that he was aware of his condition and was advised about practicing safe sex.

He said it is alleged the man failed to tell either woman of his diagnosis and therefore caused them serious harm by infecting them with the virus.

Mr Mcginn added the jury would hear from a medical practitioner during the trial about the seriousness of being diagnosed with HIV.

Judge Martin Nolan warned the jury not to look up anyone connected to the trial on the internet or discuss the case with any other parties.