AIDS: THE LOST VOICES
In this episode, we examine two poignant cases related to HIV/AIDS where initial murder charges were reduced to manslaughter. One notable case is that of nine-year-old Emma Poizer, whose mother, Angela, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Angela’s plea was influenced by her belief that she was living with AIDS, leading her to act out of a misguided desire to protect her daughter from what she perceived to be her own inevitable fate.
The second case involves Ashley Gillard, who, after disclosing his HIV status to a casual lover, faced a horrific betrayal. This individual callously chose not to assist Ashley when he required urgent first aid, instead opting to watch him deteriorate. Tragically, Thomas White cruelly attempted to erase Ashley altogether, as he sought to burn his body in a house fire. The indifference demonstrated highlights the profound stigma that still surrounds HIV, revealing how prejudice can lead to unspeakable acts of violence and disregard for human life.
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GILLARD, Ashley Christian was born in 1984, North Bucks. A hairdresser by trade, Ashely was survived by his parents and two sisters. Upon the conclusion of the court case the family made the following statement:
“We will never truly know what happened to Ashley on that day. It’s something that will haunt us forever. We now begin our life sentence without Ashley.
A huge thank you to the police, family, friends, Ashley’s friends, our employers and work colleagues for your support throughout this horrific nightmare and for your continued support.”
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