Fears for 30 more people in HIV infection case

Glenn Richard Albert Mills

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About 30 people who have had sexual contact with a man charged with intentionally infecting people with the HIV virus have called a support group to ask for HIV tests since the identity of the man was revealed on Friday.

The callers, many of them young, became concerned after name suppression was lifted from Aucklander Glenn Richard Albert Mills and they realised they had been in contact with him.

Mills, a 40-year-old train driver, faces 14 charges relating to seven alleged victims six men and a woman. Five of the men have tested HIV-positive. One of the alleged victims was 17 when infected. The charges include infecting with disease, and wounding with reckless disregard. The maximum penalty for infecting with disease is 14 years' jail.

Body Positive chief executive Bruce Kilmister said the HIV support group had by yesterday afternoon received close to 30 calls from men and women who had been in contact with Mills. He said they were all young people and were calling from around the country including Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North and Northland.

"They are very concerned that they may have contracted HIV."

Body Positive, which provides HIV testing, support and safe-sex information, had extended its hours and was open yesterday to cater for worried people who wanted to take a test.

Kilmister expects more calls this week.

The New Zealand Aids Foundation had also noted an increase in calls and testing appointments since news of the case broke and had prepared by increasing capacity and counselling services.

Detective Andy King, from the Auckland adult sexual assault team, yesterday said he could not comment about the case, but he emphasised that police would still like to hear from anyone with relevant information.

Police earlier said Mills tested positive for HIV in 2007 and had led an active sex life in Auckland and Wellington.

It is alleged he used internet and telephone dating services to search for sexual partners.

An Aids Foundation spokeswoman said the case had heightened awareness of HIV in general and had led to general requests for testing. It was believed some of the calls were from people who knew Mills.

"We know that people will recognise him and have had contact with him. Obviously and understandably they are going to feel quite concerned."

Both the Aids Foundation and Kilmister urged people who were worried to contact a sexual health provider for a free test. The latest HIV tests give results in just 10 minutes, and an appointment would also include counselling.

They also emphasised the circumstances surrounding Mills' arrest were rare and there was no need for wider panic. Research had shown HIV-positive people were generally responsible in informing and protecting their partners and the people around them.

Mills was remanded in custody on Friday and will appear in court again next month.

Anyone who wants to be tested or receive advice can contact:

0800 HIV LINE (0800 448-5463)

AIDS FOUNDATION www.nzaf.org.nz

By EMMA PAGE, Sunday Star-Times