Man who infected partner with HIV found guilty of GBH

A man who infected his partner with HIV by failing to tell her he had the disease before they started a sexual relationship is facing prison.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Leslie Pringle had a "cavalier" attitude to sex and a disregard for the safety of others.

The court heard Pringle, 48, had been advised on how to avoid passing on the disease after he was diagnosed as well as his moral and legal obligation to inform sexual partners of his illness.

But Pringle had had sex with a woman, referred to in court only as 'X' without using protection and had not been taking his medication or attending clinic appointments to control the illness.

Pringle, of Rennington Avenue, North Shields, denied causing grievous bodily harm to X by infecting her with HIV.

He was found guilty after less than two hours of deliberation. The case was adjourned for reports until next month and Pringle was remanded in custody