CPS issues public policy on Criminalisation of Sexual Transmission of HIV

After extensive consultation, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has today published a public policy statement and guidance to prosecutors to explain how it deals with cases involving the intentional or reckless sexual transmission of infection.

To date, 11 such cases have been prosecuted.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald QC, said: "Although these types of cases are rare, we are publishing this statement because we recognise the importance of consistent decision-making.

It follows other public statements concerning our policies on how we handle certain types of cases. We hope that it provides clarity.
"People affected by the intentional or reckless sexual transmission of infection often face many difficulties in reporting the incident to the police and then supporting any prosecution at court that may follow.
"We have consulted clinicians, charities and community groups on the development of this policy and guidance. We have benefited substantially from listening to their views and concerns, and we have greatly appreciated their input."
The policy statement covers the Code for Crown Prosecutors and how it is applied in all cases; the offences that the CPS will consider in relation to cases of the intentional or reckless sexual transmission of infection and what the CPS needs to prove; the application of the public interest in such cases; and witness and victim care issues.

(Reproduction of this article was with kind permission of the A2 media group.)