Vic: Man accused of infecting others with HIV had condom phobia

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2006
Vic: Man accused of infecting others with HIV had condom phobia

MELBOURNE, Aug 7 AAP - A Melbourne man accused of deliberately infecting several sexual
partners with HIV had a "condom phobia," a court has been told.

Michael John Neal, 48, of Coburg, is facing more than 30 charges, including three counts
of intentionally causing a very serious disease, and eight counts of attempting to intentionally
cause a very serious disease.

In a pre-committal hearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court today, three doctors who
treated Neal gave evidence under a compulsory examination of witnesses.

Doctor Stephen Rowles, who specialises in HIV, told the court Neal had a "condom phobia"

and frequently engaged in unprotected anal sex with several men.

Dr Rowles described Neal's behaviour as reckless, saying he wanted to contract HIV
so he could have unprotected sex with other men with the virus.

"(He) wanted to become HIV positive sometimes so he can have unprotected anal intercourse,"

Dr Rowles said.

The court also heard Neal had a "Prince Albert" piercing through his genitals which
could heighten the risk of HIV transmission.

"My opinion is that it's possible that it could increase the risk of trauma during
anal sex and therefore increase the risk of acquisition or transmission of HIV," Dr Rowles
said.

The hearing before magistrate Lisa Hannan continues.

AAP cb/szp/tnf/sp/sd

KEYWORD: NEAL

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