UK

Deported man extradited over deliberate HIV infection jailed

  • 04. Apr 2023. 21:38
  • By The EU Times
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A man who was deported from the UK after deliberately infecting another man with HIV has been jailed for eight years.

John Patrick Rooney, 35, was extradited from Ireland after a four-year legal battle and pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The court heard how Rooney had unprotected sex with a man in Liverpool, in 2013, and was aware of his own HIV status at the time.

Judge Andrew Menary QC said Rooney had “acted in a callous and selfish way” and had “recklessly run the risk of infecting others”.

He added that Rooney had “taken up residence in Ireland, aware of the fact that he had committed a serious offence and had not been brought to justice”.

Rooney was arrested in Ireland in August 2019 and extradited to the UK the following month.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said he felt “betrayed, angry and violated” by Rooney's actions.

He said: “I felt the need to take action in order to protect others from this type of reckless behaviour.

“I am glad that justice has been done and that this individual has been brought to justice for his actions.”

Detective Inspector, Paul Charnock, said: “Rooney's decision to knowingly infect another individual with a life-threatening virus was a truly callous act that has had a profound impact on the victim.”

He added: “This case further highlights the importance of being aware of your own HIV status and the need to protect yourself and others from the virus.”

John Patrick Rooney, 35, has been jailed for eight years after being extradited from Ireland for deliberately infecting another man with HIV. The court heard how Rooney, who was aware of his own HIV status, had unprotected sex with a man in Liverpool in 2013. Rooney had fled to Ireland after committing the crime and was arrested in August 2019 before being extradited to the UK.

Judge Andrew Menary QC said Rooney had “acted in a callous and selfish way” and had “recklessly run the risk of infecting others”. The victim said he felt “betrayed, angry and violated” by Rooney's actions. Detective Inspector Paul Charnock said: “Rooney's decision to knowingly infect another individual with a life-threatening virus was a truly callous act that has had a profound impact on the victim.”

Rooney was sentenced to eight years in prison and his conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of your own HIV status and of protecting yourself and others from the virus.