Australian Man
Found Guilty of Trying to Spread HIV

Michael John Neal of Coburg, Australia, is facing up to 25 years in prison for attempting to deliberately infect others with HIV, United Press International reported Friday. One former lover testified at the hearing that he was shocked to learn that he had contracted HIV from Neal. According to the man, Neal had told him, "It's better to get it from someone you know out of love than a stranger and to not know."

Outtraveler Staff

August 02 2008 12:00 AM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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Michael John Neal of Coburg, Australia, is facing up to 25 years in prison for attempting to deliberately infect others with HIV, United Press International reported Friday. One former lover testified at the hearing that he was shocked to learn that he had contracted HIV from Neal. According to the man, Neal had told him, "It's better to get it from someone you know out of love than a stranger and to not know."

According to UPI, the jury found Neal guilty of nine counts of attempting to spread HIV as well as counts of rape, reckless conduct endangering a person, and procuring sex by fraud. Neal also pled guilty to charges involving child pornography. (The Advocate)