A 29-year-old man has been charged with criminal transmission of HIV.
Luke Davis, of George Street, Kidderminster, appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday 11 July.
The case was adjourned for trial with a plea and case management hearing taking place on 24 November.
He had previously pleaded not guilty at Worcester Magistrates Court on Tuesday 6 June. It is important to recognise that as criminal proceedings against Mr Davis are active, he is presumed innocent of this charge until proven guilty and has the right to a fair trial. It is important that the public refrain from speculation or social media commentary that could prejudice the case.
The charge follows an investigation by West Mercia Police and relates to one victim.
Superintendent Mel Paley said: “We acknowledge people may be concerned about this case.
“In publicising it we have taken careful consideration to ensure the right balance between protection of the public and protection of the defendant’s rights to a fair trial. “If you are concerned there are several ways you can contact the investigation team or seek support.”
Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who is concerned they have received sexual services offered via various social media platforms, possibly under an alias name, such as Naomi, 26 year old bisexual, and/or visited adult parties in Lyndholme Road in Kidderminster.
There are several ways that you can contact the investigation team.
Contact the police via 101, request West Mercia Police and then tell the call handler that you wish to make a report in relation to Operation Origin. The call handler will record your details and a member of the investigation team will contact you.
If you feel that you would rather write to us, you can send an email directly to the investigation team via the email address: OpOrigin@westmercia.police.uk
It may be that you want to make us aware of the possibility that you may have been affected by this incident but are not in a place where you can talk to us about it at this present time.
You can request that a third-party report is made to West Mercia Police via your sexual health service provider. They should include details that you are prepared to share and that the case relates to Operation Origin. This will allow the investigation team to be aware of the potential number of people affected.
You can ring us without prejudice and your personal circumstances will be respected. This will of course remain confidential as it would be for any other professional service.
All reports to the police are confidential and you do not have to give your details if you feel unable to. The investigation team will be happy to discuss your situation with you in confidence. We realise there may be some people who are concerned they may be at risk but do not wish to speak with police at this time.
Although the risk of transmission is low, if you are concerned it is important that you are tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). Confidential testing will help you to receive effective treatments if you have HIV or any STI.
Anyone can book a test through their local sexual health clinic, details are available online. Many areas also offer online testing for STIs including HIV.
If you would like further help or support, and for those wanting to access sexual health services, please visit https://www.sexwise.org.uk/.
Anyone living in Worcestershire can book an HIV and STI test online at https://sh24.org.uk/. If you would like further help or support, and for those wanting to access sexual health services outside of Worcestershire, please visit https://www.sexwise.org.uk/
