HIV man's death spares victims

Victims of a man accused of deliberately infecting them with the HIV virus are said to be relieved that his death means he can no longer drag them through a protracted court process.

However, others among as many as 100 men and women with whom Glenn Richard Albert Mills slept still care about him and will be mourning him, an HIV support group said yesterday.

Mills, 40, was found dead in his cell at Auckland's Remand Centre at Mt Eden Prison overnight on Sunday. He was due in court yesterday. His death was not considered suspicious.

Mills, who had been in custody since June, faced 28 charges in Auckland District Court relating to 14 people. Charges included wounding and attempting to wound with reckless disregard and infecting and attempting to infect with a disease.

Police had said Mills, a train driver, was diagnosed HIV-positive in May 2007 but carried on with an active unprotected sex life. He cruised the internet and telephone dating services for both male and female partners around the country, saying he was aged 32. Seven partners contracted HIV.

Bruce Kilmister, of the Body Positive clinic in Auckland, tested 57 of Mills' former partners and referred a further 30 to clinics outside Auckland. The clinic contacted all the 57 patients it had tested yesterday.

"The foremost single response is one of relief that each of the alleged victims is not going to have to go through a very long protracted court case and all of their behaviour and sexual intimacy be put out for public scrutiny," Mr Kilmister said.

Mills had looked set to drag the case out. He had refused to give police a blood sample, forcing them to go to the High Court, scheduled for March next year, to obtain a court order.

He was also trying to force the witnesses in the case, including the victims, to give evidence in person at a depositions hearing. Under new court rules, depositions evidence can be handed up as written notes.

Jane Bruning, who runs Positive Women – a support organisation for women living with HIV and Aids – said she believed Mills was ashamed, embarrassed and in denial.

"We don't particularly see Glenn as a predator, but more of a man in denial. In saying that, it doesn't excuse what he did."

She said many of Mills' partners would mourn the loss of a man with whom they had a connection. "It's sad all round for everybody."

His death could have brought some closure. "I don't think everybody wants to see these people locked up. Some of Glenn's victims still care about him. But people did want to see him held accountable.

"If you're looking for the silver lining, it is about raising the awareness. But it is still very tragic what's happened."

Corrections assistant regional manager Grace Smit said staff at the prison had provided medical assistance but were unable to revive Mills.