UK Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Intentionally Exposing Partners to HIV

Daryll Rowe, a 27-year-old UK hairdresser, was sentenced to life in prison for intentionally infecting his Grindr dates with HIV by damaging condoms. Rowe was initially sentenced with five counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and another five counts of attempted grievous bodily harm by a jury last November.

The Guardian reported that Rowe "repeatedly sabotaged condoms, and then mocked victims saying that he was 'riddled' with the virus after they raised concerns. One man said that Rowe was 'laughing' when he called, adding: 'Burn. I got you.'"

Rowe was arrested in February 2016 and police issued a public health warning, but used a fake name to target men on Grindr. When he was finally apprehended, police found him with a backpack full of damaged condoms.

At his sentencing, Judge Christine Henson told Rowe that the victims are "suffering life sentences because of your cruel and senseless acts."

"I cannot see how and when you will no longer be a danger to gay men," said the judge, adding that she wanted to note that the sentence was "not about stigmatizing anyone living with HIV."