A MAN who gave his girlfriend HIV by having unprotected sex with her has been jailed for two years and eight months.

Alan Mason, 45, of Endmoor, Kendal, knew he had been HIV positive for five years when he started a sexual relationship with the woman.

MORE TOP STORIES:

But he only told her when she began to feel unwell after contracting the disease herself.

At Carlisle Crown Court today he pleaded guilty to causing her grievous bodily harm.

Judge Paul Batty QC told him he had ruined the woman's life and left her in "a perilous state".

Detective Constable Damian West said: “This is a unique case for Cumbria Constabulary and the sentencing imposed highlights the disregard Mason had for his actions.

“Even though the victim has to live with this virus, modern medication means there should be no impact on life expectancy. However, the virus has a significant day to day impact on those who have to live with it.

“If anyone has any concerns they should speak to their doctor, or seek support from dedicated organisations, such as the Terence Higgins Trust.”