Clarification in law is sought after man is jailed for infecting partner with genital herpes

The sentencing of a UK man to a 14 month prison term for infecting his former partner with genital herpes has prompted calls for an amendment to the existing legislation.

It is the first time that the law on deliberate transmission of a sexually transmitted infection has been applied to genital herpes.

David Golding, who entered a plea of grievous bodily harm after being arrested for assault, was found guilty of “reckless transmission of an incurable sexually transmitted infection” under the Offences against the Person Act 1861.

His former partner had been given a diagnosis of genital herpes after entering into a relationship with him. He had failed to disclose his previous history of infection.

Meting out the sentence at …