Man Jailed For Infecting His Partner With HIV

A photographer has been jailed for three-and-a-half years for knowingly infecting his partner with HIV.

Les Pringle, of Rennington Avenue, North Shields, was found guilty in October of inflicting grievous bodily harm on a woman who was referred to in court as Ms 'X' to protect her identity.

Newcastle Crown Court heard he had been repeatedly advised by health workers about the risks of passing on the disease through unprotected sex.

But he went on to have unprotected sex and failed to tell his partner he was HIV positive.

Detective Superintendent Steve Wade from Northumbria Police said: "We welcome this sentence which will see Pringle serving a considerable time in custody.

"He breached a partner's trust and showed absolutely no regard for her personal safety by withholding the information that he was HIV positive.

"Pringle knew he was HIV positive but recklessly ignored the health advice he had been given by having unprotected sexual relations with the victim.

"This has been a long and difficult enquiry and our thoughts continue to be with his victim who will have to live with the consequences of Pringle's actions for the rest of her life."

In a statement released after the verdict, Ms X said: "I would like to take this opportunity to urge anyone who has had a relationship with Les Pringle to contact their Sexual Health Services and request HIV testing.

"Should any persons feel it necessary to talk to the police, I want to state with complete confidence that without prejudice or judgement, the respect and kindness I have received has shown no bounds."

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