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Glenn Richard Albert Mills - Source: ONE News -
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The chief executive of an HIV support group is saddened a man accused of infecting others with the disease has died behind bars but glad the victims won't have to testify in court.
Glenn Mills was found dead overnight in his cell at Auckland Remand Prison at Mt Eden, a day before he was due to reappear at Auckland District Court.
The Department of Corrections says his death is not regarded as suspicious and that it has been referred to the coroner.
Mills, 40, a train driver who had been in custody for several months, faced 28 charges in Auckland District Court relating to 14 people.
The charges included wounding and attempting to wound with reckless disregard and infecting and attempting to infect with a disease.
Seven of the 14 people whom Mills was charged in connection with - 11 men and three women - are believed to have contracted the HIV virus.
Body Positive chief executive Bruce Kilmister says he has mixed feelings over the news of Mills' death.
He says the premature death of an HIV sufferer is sad but it will spare victims and their families from having to give evidence before the court.
"That's the only positive aspect we can see. It will avoid any long trial and won't put any people through that ordeal."
Mills was first arrested on a charge of infecting three men with HIV and attempting to infect a fourth.
News of his arrest and his subsequent naming led to many more people coming forward for HIV tests, and led to the charges relating to more people.
Kilmister says Body Positive tested more than 50 people once Mills had been named.
With his death coming the day before World Aids Day, Kilmister says it reinforces the message that people need to continue to test themselves and to practise safe sex.
"Each person has a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe from the transmission of this virus."
He says public attitudes towards the disease have made some progress but there is still some stigma towards people with the disease.
The Crown had been seeking an order to force Mills to supply a DNA sample as the case got closer towards a possible trial.
Department of Corrections assistant regional manager Grace Smit says little official comment can be made while an investigation and the coroner's inquest is pending.
"Staff provided medical assistance but were unable to revive the prisoner. He was pronounced dead when ambulance staff arrived a short time later," Smit says.
"The prisoner's death is not considered suspicious. However, the coroner will investigate and confirm the circumstances."
She says a review of Mills' death will be undertaken by the independent Corrections Inspectorate, which is monitored by the Office of the Ombudsmen.
"While this is underway, and the death is subject to the coroner's inquest, the department is unable to comment further."
