A convicted offender, Brian Tatenda Shayanowako, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison in his absence after fleeing the United Kingdom before his sentencing hearing.
Shayanowako, 54, was found guilty at the Aylesbury Crown Court of rape and had pleaded guilty to recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm after knowingly exposing a woman to HIV over several years.
The offences took place between 2006 and 2010, with the court also hearing evidence of earlier violent assaults against the same victim dating back to 2002.
Following his failure to appear for sentencing in August 2014, the Thames Valley Police issued a warrant for his arrest. Investigators believe he fled to Zimbabwe, triggering an international manhunt.
Authorities emphasized that the case centers on deliberate and reckless transmission of the virus, and not the criminalisation of individuals living with HIV.
Police continue to appeal for information on his whereabouts so he can be returned to the UK to serve his sentence.
