A man's been jailed for a year for infecting a 19-year-old with HIV.

Nicholas Richards, 31, of Saffron Way, Sittingbourne, had earlier admitted GBH after he knowingly infected his victim with HIV in June 2008.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how the victim only found out she had the disease after having blood tests when she got pregnant - luckily the baby is not infected.

Judge Caddick sentenced Richards to a year in prison for the GBH and an additional year for a further count of GBH with intent after he seriously injured a man he attacked in Medway.

The 28-year-old assault victim, from Gillingham, suffered bleeding to the brain, a partially severed tongue, a bruised and swollen face and a broken nose following the assault in Jeffrey Street on April 9 last year.

During the hearing, Richards was also given a five-year sexual offences prevention order, which forbids him from having unprotected sex and forces him to inform his partner about his HIV status.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Wilson of Mid Kent said: "The crimes committed by Richards have been both abhorrent and callous, with far-reaching consequences for both his victims.

"Not only did he knowingly infect a young girl with HIV – a disease she will have to live with for the rest of her life - but he also selfishly put her child at risk too."

He praised the "sheer bravery" the victim showed in coming forward immediately and giving evidence.

DCI Wilson appealed for anyone else who had fallen prey to the man to come forward.