Thu 18 Jun 2009 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
HIV testing and support services are counting down the hours to tomorrow's court appearance of the alleged 'HIV predator', anticipating a number of men and even some women will recognise a previous sex partner when the man's identity is finally revealed. The HIV positive Auckland man was three weeks ago remanded in custody facing a variety of charges relating to unprotected sex with five young men and one woman in Auckland and possibly Wellington since he was first diagnosed with HIV in May 2007. Four of those sex partners have since been diagnosed HIV positive. Four alleged victims were detailed at the man's first court appearance, two more were added last Tuesday when he reappeared. There is no guarantee the judge will lift her suppression order, which is due to expire tomorrow, but legal and media observers believe it is highly unlikely to be extended. Police fear that once the man's name and image are revealed a number of additional people may realise their sexual contact with the man has left them exposed to possible HIV infection and will seek counselling and testing. Victims may be scattered around the country but are likely to be most concentrated in Auckland. BODY POSITIVE PREPARES Body Positive Auckland says it is prepared for a possible influx of worried people and will assist them with counselling, testing and support without need of an appointment at either its K Road Clinic or its office in Poynton Terrace just off Karangahape Road. Spokesperson Bruce Kilmister says the clinic and office are open Monday to Friday 9-5pm, but arrangements can be made for clients outside these hours, even to the extent of a BP team member travelling to a more convenient location such as a person's home. "If anyone has had unsafe sex they should take the simple, fast test," says Kilmister, who insists thnat Body Positive's experience shows that it is much better for patients' wellbeing that they clarify their HIV status as early as possible. "They should come in and have a talk at least," he says, "or dial us anonymously on 0800 HIV Line (0800 448 5463)." He says Body Positive treats everyone with respect and confidentiality. NZ AIDS FOUNDATION TESTING The NZ AIDS Foundation is also geared up to assist concerned people. Its Burnett Centre manager, Wayne Otter, says he has beefed up testing and support resources from tomorrow. "The NZAF provides free, painless, fast and confidential HIV and syphilis testing," he says. "We encourage anyone who may be concerned about any sexual encounter they have had to come in and get tested," says Otter, whose College Hill-based team can be contacted on 09 309 5560. The NZAF has similar centres in Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch which will also be able to assist worried people. A UNIQUE CASE Both the Foundation and Body Positive point out that the alleged actions of the man due in court tommorrow are not typical of the vast majority of HIV positive people. "NZAF research has shown that the majority of people living with HIV are very responsible when it comes to protecting themselves and their partners by using condoms and lube," says Otter. Detective Seregant Andy King, who has headed up the police's Adult Sexual Assault Team's investigation of the allegations, says he encourages any person who has had sexual contact with the man, or can offer information, to contact him as soon as possible on 09 302 6400. GayNZ.com will have reporters in court tomorrow morning and will identify the man, who was first drawn to public attention in our Daily News, the moment we are authorised to by the judge.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 18th June 2009 - 4:20pm