Rapist discovers he may have contracted HIV from victim
A rapist, who was jailed after attacking a woman in her home while high on drugs, collapsed today when police told him he may have contracted HIV from his victim.
Richard Thomas knew the woman had another illness but was unaware of the HIV, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
When the 27-year-old was told she had the disease, he collapsed in “shock” and asked to be taken to hospital for tests to see if he had contracted the virus.
Thomas, of Sandringham Drive, Leigh, pleaded guilty to raping the woman on July 20 this year.
He had let himself into her home uninvited in the middle of the night and she awoke to find him raping her from behind.
“She froze and no words were exchanged. He pulled up his shorts and left,” said Harry Pepper, prosecuting.
“He was arrested and interviewed and said he had been drinking heavily, taken cocaine and ecstasy and could not recall the incident,” he added.
His barrister, Virginia Hayton, that he still cannot recall the attack but when told about it he said that the woman “would not lie, she tells the truth. If she says I have done it, I have done it.”
Jailing him for five years four months Judge Mark Brown said that he had committed “this dreadful offence” while she lay asleep, having taken a sleeping tablet, and left her distressed and anxious. He ordered him to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Miss Hayton said that Thomas, who has previous convictions but none for sexual offences, “is remorseful and cannot understand why he did it and it is troubling him.”
She said that he started using cannabis at the age of nine, drinking heavily at the age of 11, addicted to ecstasy and cocaine at 13 and was put in care the following year.
He has been trying to contact his family but they want nothing to do with him and he will now be away from his partner and their young daughter and his two other older daughters from previous relationships.
Miss Hayton told the court that Thomas will not find out the result of his HIV test until Friday and has had the worry of the outcome hanging over him.
“It is his own fault, if he had not committed this offence he would not have placed himself in this position.”
Lucky Colors for the 12 Zodiac Signs
Each zodiac sign has specific lucky colors that can enhance positive energy, bring good fortune, and boost confidence. Here are the lucky colors for each sign:
♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19)
🔥 Lucky Colors: Red, Orange, Scarlet
🔺 Why? These bold and fiery colors enhance Aries’ passion, confidence, and leadership.
♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
🌿 Lucky Colors: Green, Pink, Earthy Tones
🔺 Why? Green symbolizes growth and stability, while pink brings harmony and love.
♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
💛 Lucky Colors: Yellow, Light Green, White
🔺 Why? These colors boost Gemini’s communication skills, creativity, and adaptability.
♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
🌊 Lucky Colors: Silver, White, Light Blue
🔺 Why? These soothing colors reflect Cancer’s emotional depth, intuition, and connection to the moon.
♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22)
☀️ Lucky Colors: Gold, Orange, Yellow
🔺 Why? These royal and radiant colors highlight Leo’s charisma, confidence, and strength.
♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
🌾 Lucky Colors: Green, Brown, Beige
🔺 Why? Earthy and natural tones enhance Virgo’s practicality, wisdom, and sense of order.
♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22)
🎀 Lucky Colors: Pink, Blue, Pastel Shades
🔺 Why? These colors promote Libra’s sense of balance, love, and diplomacy.
♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
🖤 Lucky Colors: Black, Dark Red, Burgundy
🔺 Why? These deep colors represent Scorpio’s mystery, intensity, and transformation.
♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
💜 Lucky Colors: Purple, Royal Blue, Dark Yellow
🔺 Why? These colors enhance Sagittarius’ adventurous, spiritual, and optimistic nature.
♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
🖤 Lucky Colors: Black, Gray, Dark Green
🔺 Why? These colors reflect Capricorn’s discipline, ambition, and grounded energy.
♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
🔵 Lucky Colors: Blue, Electric Blue, Silver
🔺 Why? These colors enhance Aquarius’ innovation, originality, and connection to the future.
♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
🌊 Lucky Colors: Sea Green, Lavender, Aqua
🔺 Why? These dreamy colors boost Pisces’ creativity, intuition, and emotional depth.
Using these lucky colors in clothing, accessories, or surroundings can help attract positive energy and success! 😊✨