New charges against HIV-positive man
Several new charges have been brought against a Brisbane man currently facing court over allegedly failing to disclose his HIV status to sexual partners. Seven new charges including assault and theft were levelled against Rhys Martin, 20, in December last year.
The case against Martin began in October when police took him into custody on two charges of transmitting a serious disease with intent and 鈥渁cts intended to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) or transmit a serious disease鈥�. Bail was originally granted to Martin on the basis that he stayed with his father in the Logan area south of Brisbane. Another condition was applied in November which instructed him to have no use of or access to the internet.
The first of Martin鈥檚 multiple new charges were introduced in early December when he breached his bail condition of internet usage between December 2-5.
On December 21 he allegedly entered the Clayfield home of one of two complainants who brought the original charges against Martin (both of which were at the home at the time) and assaulted them.
He now faces two additional charges per complainant of retaliation/intimidation against juror/witness/or family and assaults occasioning bodily harm whilst armed/in company, due to his alleged actions. Both complainants were reportedly left with broken eye sockets, one with two black eyes and abrasions and the other with 鈥渂odily harm injuries鈥�.
Entering the complainant鈥檚 home with an alleged intent to cause harm has subsequently brought about another charge of entering a dwelling with intent to use/threaten violence.
A final charge of stealing was brought against Martin after he was accused of taking a sum of money and the mobile phone of one of the complainants. Both alleged assaults and theft took place during the altercation.
Bail was refused to Martin after the magistrate said he believed Martin was likely to commit another offence, endanger the safety of victims/complainants and/or interfere with witnesses.
Martin was taken back into custody and initially held in the Arthur Gorrie Correctional Facility. He remains in custody depending upon the outcome of a committal mention in March.
No plea has been entered for the new charges.
