HIV-infected immigrant appeals conviction

An immigrant who intentionally infected women with HIV is appealing his conviction in Britain:

An asylum seeker who infected three women with HIV by having unprotected sex despite knowing he had the virus is today challenging his conviction for inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Musician Feston Konzani, 28, was jailed for ten years at Teeside Crown Court last May after being found guilty of charges in relation to the women, aged 15, 26 and 27.

All the offences were carried out in the Middlesbrough area between November 2000 and August 2003.

Judge Peter Fox told him: "The GBH which you inflicted falls into the category of the very worst sort.

"Not only are the lives of these young women to be very substantially curtailed, they have suffered most heavily psychologically.

"You knew all along you had the infection and you know you should have told them.

"Whether it was your pride or lust which stood in the way, it matters not."

Konzani is due to be deported to Malawi once he finishes his sentence.

The appeal in the High Court in London before Lord Justice Judge, Mr Justice Grigson and Judge Radford QC is due to last a day.

If Konzani's case on conviction fails, he is expected to seek a reduction in his sentence.

This is a great example of why immigrants should be screened for diseases before being admitted to a country.