61-year-old Swindon man, John Nehemiah Rodney has today been sentenced to 12-and-a-half-years after pleading guilty to three counts of recklessly infecting three women with HIV.
His sentence includes eight years in prison and a four-and-a-half year extended licence.
Wiltshire Police commenced an investigation back in 2017 following a complaint by a woman who had contracted HIV after unprotected sexual intercourse with Rodney.
During the investigation, it transpired that Rodney had been aware of his HIV status and had engaged in unprotected sex with numerous women over several years without informing them of his condition, or taking essential medication.
As part of our investigation, in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Public Health England, over 50 women were approached by officers and health professionals and spoken to about Rodney.
Through these enquiries we were able to establish that at least three women had contracted HIV after having unprotected sex with Rodney.
On December 15th, 2017, to manage the public risk, an Interim Sexual Risk Order was granted by Swindon Magistrates Court, which banned Rodney from having sex with women without telling the police beforehand, amongst other restrictions. However, Rodney breached this order on more than one occasion.
He pleaded guilty to the breaches and was jailed for two-and-a-half years. He was also given a further sentence for an unrelated drug offence, which saw him jailed for a total of five years.
Det Chief Insp Helen Jacobs said: “This has been an extremely complex investigation which has required close partnership working with our health colleagues in Swindon to determine the full extent of Rodney’s offending and the potential implications on the health of those living in Swindon.
“At an early stage of the investigation, it was clear that Rodney posed a high risk to the public, in particular – although not exclusively, to vulnerable women in Swindon. We believe he was preying on these women for his own sexual needs. To mitigate this risk, we applied for a Sexual Risk Order to prevent any further harm to women in our communities at the hands of Rodney. As well as this, a disclosure was made to vulnerable women in the area regarding the investigation and the individual involved so they could take additional precautions to protect themselves. Their health and wellbeing was, and remains, our primary focus. As soon as we found out Rodney had breached this order, he was put before the courts and jailed so he could no longer pose a risk during the course of our investigation.
“Rodney is a professional criminal, who has always shown complete and utter disregard for the law. He has lied constantly in interview and continued to be sexually active while on bail and having been served a disruption notice and Sexual Risk Order.
“He has destroyed the lives of a number of women who will require treatment for the rest of their lives. Today’s outcome in court is hugely important to the victims, and is a result of over two years of careful and sensitive investigating which has presented a number of challenges due to the complexities involved in a case of this nature. It is the first case of its kind that we have had in Wiltshire, and one of very few that have been through the courts nationally.
“I am pleased that we have been able to secure a custodial sentence for Rodney – he is an extremely dangerous offender who had the potential to cause serious harm to a large number of individuals, and we have no doubt that he would have continued to act in a reckless and abhorrent manner, had his victims not had the courage to come forward and contact police. Their bravery has been crucial to securing today’s result.
“Due to the extensive work we have been doing alongside partner agencies to contact any potential victims, we feel as confident as we can that we have been able to identify anyone who may have been affected by Rodney’s actions, however that doesn’t rule out the possibility that there may be other women in the area who have been put at risk by Rodney. If you have concerns, we’d urge you to call police on 101 in total confidence and quote Operation Wellington. Despite these current uncertain times, we still want to hear from you so please get in touch.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Swindon and Wiltshire Angus Macpherson added: “Due to the scientific complexities involved in investigating a case of this nature, this investigation has required a team of professional and dedicated individuals to ensure this dangerous offender was brought to justice.
“While today’s court result will hopefully bring some form of closure to the victims in this case, they will continue to receive medical treatment for the rest of their lifetime as a direct result of this man’s reckless behaviour. I would like to praise them for the outstanding courage and bravery they have shown during this case.
“They have been supported throughout by the Horizon Victim and Witness Care Service, funded by myself to ensure victims of all types of crime are provided with the support they require at all stages of the judiciary process.”
Councillor Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “This is a very serious case and I welcome the sentence passed today at Bristol Crown Court.
“My colleagues in Public Health have been working closely with partners to ensure that members of the public are protected and that Rodney is brought to justice.
“HIV is a serious, life-changing infection. However, there are very effective treatments that can help people living with HIV to have a full and healthy life when diagnosed early.
“If anyone feels they may have been at risk of contracting HIV infection we would encourage them to come forward for testing by calling 01793 604038 or visiting http://www.swindonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/. The main way to prevent HIV infection is to avoid activities that put you at risk, such as having sex without a condom and sharing needles.”
