Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - December 19, 2005
Derek Hornett, 44, from Ramshill Road, Paignton, Devon, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on the pensioner.
Exeter Crown Court heard that Hornett had begun a relationship with the woman because she was financially secure.
Judge Graham Cottle said Hornett's actions had devastated his victim mentally and physically.
Hornett had borrowed money from his victim and visited her home. This had led to intercourse, during which the woman became HIV positive.
The judge told Hornett that had he contested the case he would have received the maximum five years allowed in law for causing grievous bodily harm.
In sentencing Judge Graham Cottle told Hornett: "You were HIV positive. You knew that full well. Quite regardless of that knowledge you have infected this lady and that for her has had devastating mental and physical consequences."
The court heard that Hornett had lived dishonestly for most of his life committing burglaries and deception.
In mitigation, Rupert Taylor said Hornett accepted what he had done and had not sought to avoid his responsibility by lying or cheating his way out of trouble.
In addition to the jail term, Hornett was made the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order banning him from associating with people over 60, doing paid or unpaid work with people over 60 or doing charitable or voluntary work with people over 60.
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