FORMER photographer Les Pringle has been jailed for three and a half years for infecting his ex with HIV.
The 48-year-old, of Rennington Avenue, Tynemouth, was convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm after a jury at Newcastle Crown Court heard how he failed to tell the woman about his illness then repeatedly had unprotected sex with her and passed on the virus.
Det Supt Steve Wade of 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."
He had stopped taking his medication, was not attending hospital appointments and told no one about his condition.
When he met the victim they started what she thought was a loving and trusting relationship.
Despite knowing he was at risk of passing on the virus, Pringle repeatedly had unprotected sex with the woman, the court heard.
