Man accused of infecting lovers

A Teesside musician charged with deliberately infecting women with the HIV virus, has made his first appearance before a judge.

Feston Konzani, 27, who is originally from Malawi, was a member of an African band and living in Middlesbrough, when the alleged incidents took place.

He faces a total of five charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent on women, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, between February 2000 and May 2003.

A charge of unlawful sexual intercourse in 2001 with a 15-year-old girl, was dropped.

Mr Konzani, of Albany Street, Middlesbrough, was remanded in custody, when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court, until 6 February, 2004.

He made no plea.

It is alleged the women - aged 25 and 26 - discovered they had been infected with the HIV virus after having sex with Mr Konzani.