An English judge has issued an arrest warrant for a gay man who was convicted for "recklessly" passing on the HIV virus but skipped sentencing, court officials said Thursday.
Mark James, 47, of West Sussex, failed to appear at a hearing at London's Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday where he was due to be sentenced, and a bench warrant was issued for him.
He had previously admitted to causing grievous bodily harm after continuing to have unprotected sex with his partner, despite being told in April 2004 he tested positive for the HIV virus that can lead to AIDS.
James' partner, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was diagnosed with HIV later that year.
The judge in the case, Jonathan Lowen, may pass sentence on James in his absence if he is not caught quickly.
James initially pleaded guilty before in May trying to change his plea, saying he had received poor legal advice, but the judge turned down his attempt.
