Adam Hall, 43, of Washington, Tyne and Wear, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 23 years and 42 days after being found guilty of deliberately infecting seven men with HIV, including raping four of them. This case marks only the second time in the UK that an individual has been convicted of intentionally transmitting the virus.

Following a four-month trial at Newcastle Crown Court, Hall was convicted of targeting young, vulnerable men—ranging from 15 to their early 20s—primarily those who were sexually inexperienced. The victims were met by Hall in bars or through the dating app Grindr. The youngest victim learned of his HIV-positive status after getting off a school bus, an event that dramatically altered his life. Other victims described profound emotional trauma, with one stating he was left “the shell of who I was.”

The court heard that Hall, diagnosed with HIV in 2010, knowingly engaged in unprotected sex with multiple men between 2016 and 2023 without disclosing his status. In some instances, he raped his victims. Hall is reported to have shown no remorse throughout the investigation and trial. Detective Chief Inspector Emma Smith, who led the investigation, described him as “callous” and “calculating.” She noted Hall’s arrogance and dismissiveness, including during police interviews and the trial, where he falsely suggested some victims wanted to be infected.

Hall, a former sex shop worker, refused to appear in the dock for his sentencing hearing, prompting Judge Edward Bindloss to comment on his indifference towards the suffering he caused. Under the sentence, Hall will not be eligible for parole until he is 67 years old.

Victims detailed their experiences in personal statements at sentencing. One described himself as “vulnerable” and “easily manipulated,” believing Hall would show care and compassion. Instead, they were left to face stigma and isolation after diagnosis, with some friends distancing themselves due to fears about transmission. The victim criticized Hall for knowingly infecting him without offering any chance to pursue pre- or post-exposure treatment.

Authorities believe there may be additional victims across England. Hall traveled extensively to meet men in Durham, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Manchester, and London. Police and public health officials are urging anyone who had contact with Hall to come forward for testing and support.

Alice Wiseman, director of public health for Newcastle and Gateshead, emphasized that health services are prepared to assist those concerned, highlighting that there is no judgment and prioritizing individuals' health and safety.