An HIV positive Melbourne man who tried to infect people with the virus has been jailed for more than 18 years.
Michael Neal, 50, of Coburg, was found guilty by a county court jury on 15 counts, including two of rape and eight of trying to infect another person with HIV.
The court heard Neal arranged "conversion parties" and had unprotected sex without revealing he had HIV.
County Court judge David Parsons jailed him on Friday for 18 years and nine months.
He said Neal's offending behaviour continued up until his arrest despite repeated warnings from health authorities and he had shown no remorse for his terrible crime.
"You sought to be your own version of the grim reaper," Judge Parsons said.
Neal must serve a minimum of 13 years and nine months in jail.
The prosecution is the first of its type in Victoria.
Judge Parsons said a clear message needed to be sent to the community.
