BRISTOL AND CHELSEA MAN TONY DIMOND SENTENCED FOR SEX WITH 13-YEAR-OLD AND ATTACK ON POLICE

On November 2, 1992, a disturbing case unfolded at London's Southwark Crown Court involving Tony Dimond, a 22-year-old man with a history of sex work and known HIV positive status. The proceedings revealed a series of alarming behaviors, including a prolonged sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl and a violent attempt to infect police officers with the deadly AIDS virus.

Dimond, who was born in Bristol and resided at Chelsea Manor Court Estate in Chelsea, was convicted of engaging in sexual acts with the young girl over a period of five months. According to court records, he admitted to having had sexual intercourse with her up to 400 times, using a condom that at least once split during their encounters. The girl, who was only 13 at the time, was aware of Dimond's HIV positive status and consented to the sexual activity, a fact that was acknowledged during the trial. The girl’s mother, her live-in partner, and her biological father were all aware of the relationship and, according to the defense, even encouraged it. Ms. Sarah Maguire, representing Dimond, stated that the adults' concern was primarily about the girl potentially contracting HIV, rather than the fact that a minor was involved in sexual activity.

Remarkably, the court heard that the girl's family members had discussions with Dimond about the relationship, with the father expressing concern about HIV but not about the legality or morality of the situation. The adults reportedly advised the girl and Dimond to deny any allegations to authorities, fearing that the girl might be taken into care. These adults were later arrested and charged with perverting the course of justice.

During the trial, Dimond pleaded guilty to four counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under sixteen, covering the period from September 1, 1991, to January 31, 1992. He also admitted to other charges, including threatening behavior on October 4, 1991, an affray on October 26, 1991, and property damage along with another affray on January 30, 1992. Judge Gerald Butler, QC, emphasized the severity of the case, noting that he was unaware of any other instance where an HIV-positive individual continued to engage in sexual activity with an underage girl, which he described as a serious aggravating factor.

In sentencing, the judge imposed a total of three years in prison for the sexual offenses. Additionally, Dimond received a consecutive two-year sentence for attempting to infect police officers with HIV by slashing his wrists and spitting blood at them during a confrontation. The judge highlighted the shocking nature of this conduct, stating, “It’s a feature of this case that you tried to spread your disease. It’s conduct of a shocking kind, seeking to inflict the terrible illness from which you suffer on others.”

Prosecutor Mr. Geoffrey Gelbart provided background on Dimond’s life, revealing that he had been a male prostitute for most of his teenage years after fleeing Bristol for London. The court learned that Dimond had formed a homosexual relationship with a man, with whom he lived in a council flat at Chelsea Manor Court Estate. The sexual relationship with the girl reportedly began shortly after they met, starting in the shower of his flat, with the girl’s consent.

Despite the allegations, initial reports indicated that social services and the Kensington Child Care Unit were notified, but no action was taken at the time, as all parties involved denied the accusations. It was only after Dimond was arrested for an affray in January 1992 that he admitted to the unlawful sexual intercourse.

Further details emerged about the incidents involving police. On October 4, 1991, officers responded to a call at Chelsea Manor Court Estate and found Dimond and his boyfriend sitting on some steps, visibly intoxicated. When approached, Dimond’s demeanor changed dramatically, and he attacked the officers, claiming he was HIV positive and threatening to bite them. On another occasion, police were called to the estate on October 26, 1991, where they overheard Dimond screaming for an ambulance after slashing his wrists. He also threatened police with a hammer and a knife, shouting threats and waving his bloodied wrists, saying, “Have some HIV blood you bastards, I hope you’ve got a cut on you because you’ll get AIDS as well.”

Judge Butler concluded that Dimond’s actions, especially his continued sexual activity despite knowing his HIV status, represented a grave breach of trust and morality. The case underscores the dangers posed by individuals who knowingly spread infectious diseases and the tragic consequences of such reckless behavior.