Adam Hall Jailed for Life Over Deliberate HIV Infections of Seven Young Men in Newcastle

Adam Hall, 43, has been handed a life sentence, with a minimum term of 23 years, for deliberately infecting five young men and two boys, aged 15 and 17, with HIV. Newcastle Crown Court heard Hall targeted "vulnerable" individuals online and in bars across Newcastle between 2016 and 2023, seeking to inflict "pain and harm".

Hall, of Washington near Sunderland, was convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm on seven victims. Four of these victims were also subjected to rape. The court was informed that Hall refused to attend his sentencing hearing.

Prosecutor Kama Melly KC stated that Hall conducted a "campaign of rape" specifically to "deliberately inflict HIV on the victims". Despite being diagnosed with HIV in 2010 and repeatedly warned by health professionals about the risks he posed, Hall continued his actions. He was fully aware of the necessity to take medication to maintain non-infectious viral loads and to disclose his HIV status to sexual partners, yet falsely claimed he adhered to these precautions.

Victims recounted feeling "violated" and described enduring lifelong health conditions and trauma. Judge Edward Bindloss condemned Hall's "selfish" actions, noting that he had stripped his victims of their futures. Northumbria Police have indicated that further suspected victims have come forward since Hall's conviction, prompting an ongoing investigation.