An HIV-positive German pop star accused of infecting a former partner with the virus has been given a two-year suspended prison sentence.

Nadja Benaissa, 28, was found guilty on one count of causing grievous bodily harm and two of attempted bodily harm.

The No Angels singer had admitted having unprotected sex and keeping her HIV status secret, but denied deliberately infecting anyone.

At the trial, she said she was “sorry from the bottom of my heart”.

“I wish I could turn back the clock and make it all not happen,” she told the court in the western town of Darmstadt.

As well as the two-year suspended sentence, Benaissa will be required to perform 300 hours of community service and attend regular counselling sessions.

Benaissa had sex with three people without telling them she was infected with HIV. One of them, a 34-year-old talent agent who was a plaintiff in the case, was confirmed as having contracted the virus.
Medical experts testified at the trial that they were in all probability infected with the same strain, as it was relatively rare in Germany.

She said she had not told anybody about her disease because she was afraid of the consequences for her career, which she conceded was a “cowardly act”. — BBC News.

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form