Judge* Gloria presides over a high-profile case against Dr. James Sharp, exposed by investigative journalist Duncan Campbell and BBC's Watchdog of a fraudulent AIDS cure. Sharp faces the General Medical Council for misleading patients. Meanwhile, Mark Lloyd-Flynn was discovered stalking AIDS wards while posing as a doctor before being discovered interfering with patients care.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - CRIME SERIES: The Bogus AIDS Cure & The Bogus AIDS Doctor

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers
• 'Watchdog' - 3rd April 1989 ©BBC

*Judge Gloria is not a real judge, this is not a real court and none of those mentioned are on trial. The scope and purpose of this episode is to create a more immersive listening experience while sharing true stories as they were reported by the British newspapers.

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.

XTRA Tea Blog - MURDER FILES: Cases of Manslaughter

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers

LISTENER DISCRECTION IS FIRMLY ADVISED

CASE FILE 1b: Michele Lupo is arrested in an undercover police sting and charged for four murders and three attempted murders. He tells detectives he felt “abused” by friends and society as reason for random murder.

However, Lupo tests positive for AIDS while in custody and detectives believe AIDS is motive for murder. As the investigation deepens, so do the headlines and wild police theories.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - MURDER FILES: Michele Lupo

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Part 1: The Victims

Podcast Episode - LISTEN HERE [Spotify]

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers

LISTENER DISCRECTION IS FIRMLY ADVISED

CASE FILE 1a: In 1986, a series of tragic events unfolded in London, resulting in the murder of four men and an attempted murder of three others. The pivotal moment came when one of the survivors courageously identified Michele del Marco Lupo as the assailant in a local gay pub, leading to his arrest and a sentence of four life terms.

Despite the extensive media coverage that followed, the details surrounding the victims and the tragic circumstances of their deaths remained largely underexplored. In recent years, the narrative has been further complicated by various entertainers—drag queens, comedians, and podcasters—who have sensationalised and glamorised Lupo's crimes, often perpetuating erroneous claims about the events. This lack of diligent research not only distorts the historical reality but also overshadows the lives of the victims and the true horror of these senseless crimes.

Over two episodes we first take a look at the victims before taking a look at the events and profile of murderer, Michele Lupo.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - MURDER FILES: Jim, Tony, Damien & The Man with the Tartan Scarf

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers

LISTENER DISCRECTION IS FIRMLY ADVISED

As the AIDS pandemic began to unfold in San Francisco, a wave of courageous gay men emerged, bravely voicing their experiences of stigma and isolation. These activists played a crucial role in raising awareness and challenging the pervasive fear and ignorance surrounding the disease.

Their efforts spurred the rise of numerous organisations and charities, mobilising to provide care, support, and compassion to those affected. In an environment rife with discrimination, these individuals and groups became a beacon of hope, advocating for change and solidarity within a community that was suffering deeply yet remained resilient in its quest for justice and understanding. We look at the stories of Bobby Reynolds, Mark Wood, Phil Shippy and Joe Swartz.

This is their story, their voices, in their own words.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - IN THEIR OWN WORDS USA

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS. No copyright infringement intended -

• Newspapers.com
• Bobby Reynolds talking to The Shanti Project
• 'A Time of Change: Confronting AIDS' WATCH HERE
• Those People: AIDS in the Public' KQED San Francisco WATCH HERE
• 'Family' Sung by the Los Angeles Gay Men's Chorus 1983

In 1985, four men, Adam Szczotko, Andrew Blyth, Bil Ayres, and Jo Walker each spoke on prime time television about their HIV diagnosis and the stigma around it. Speaking publicly challenged misinformation and societal backlash, humanising the struggles of those with HIV and promoting awareness and compassion. Their courage remains crucial in the fight against stigma and in advocating for the rights and respect of those affected by HIV/AIDS, even four decades on.

This is their story, their voices, in their own words.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - IN THEIR OWN WORDS

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers
• TV Eye ' AIDS - The Victims' 1985 ©Thames TV. Watch Full Episode HERE
• Daytime (Sarah Kennedy) 1985 ©Thames TV
• Panorama 'AIDS The Race for a Cure' 1985 ©BBC. Watch Full Episode HERE

Australian-born Reverend Gregory Richards, who began his tenure at a Feltham Parish in December 1976, quickly gained attention from the British press, earning the moniker “globe-trotting vicar” due to his extensive travels and community engagements. However, less than a decade later, the narrative surrounding him shifted dramatically when he became known as the “AIDS Priest” and “AIDS Chaplain.” This change stemmed from his work not just in the parish, but with young offenders at Chelmsford Prison and a gay man now with an AIDS diagnosis.

As HIV/AIDS was labelled the “gay plague,” tabloid journalists flocked to London’s gay clubs in search of scandalous stories involving the vicar. Despite their relentless pursuit, they uncovered no incriminating secrets, yet their sensational coverage incited widespread panic, leading to misconceptions among prisoners who feared they needed AIDS tests and parishioners who worried about contracting the virus from the church chalice.

We delve into the newspaper archives and soon learn much of what was reported, simply wasn’t true.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - REV. GREGORY RICHARDS

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers

Chris Egner embodied a vibrant spirit in his twenties, marked by an infectious enthusiasm and a deep-rooted faith that compelled him to help those in need. In 1984, his commitment reached new heights with an 'Organ Marathon,' where he showcased his remarkable talent by performing over 700 compositions, earning recognition in both regional and national newspapers.

His dedication to community support was unwavering, so when the urgent call for blood donors arose, he responded without hesitation. Tragically, Chris remained unaware that he was HIV positive—a grim reality stemming from systemic failings highlighted by the Infected Blood Inquiry. His donations, pooled with those from thousands of others, contributed to a batch of the blood clotting agent, Factor VIII. Although much of this batch was subsequently recalled, the British press sensationalised the recall, alleging that Chris had inadvertently infected 40 individuals, forever altering the course of his life and legacy.

We delve into the newspaper archives and soon learn much of what was reported, simply wasn’t true.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - CHRISTOPHER EGNER

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS and the works of John Lewis, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers

JOHN LEWIS was a Canadian-born music composer who gained a bachelor in Music, along with several awards and distinctions.

As the 1970s got underway John came to London and was commissioned to compose music scores for the renowned Ballet Rambert. A chance encounter at Rambert Studios and an interest in buying a synthesiser led John to join Brian Hodgson at his established, Electrophon Studio in Covent Garden. The pair composed music, released albums, and worked with well-known names from the music scene.

Little did John know that with all the trappings of London’s gay scene and the creative circles he no doubt mingled and networked. That there was a silent and deadly pandemic looming which would end his life just as he was near completing a score for BBC’s Dr Who.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - JOHN LEWIS THE COMPOSER

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS and the works of John Lewis, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers
• Dr Who - Mark of the Rani / BBC Radiophonic Sounds ©BBC
• Where Are We Captain? by Wavemaker Hodgson/Lewis © Polydor Records
• New Atlantis by Wavemaker Hodgson/Lewis © Polydor Records
• I'm a Computer ©Pete Davies - Goo-Q Website
• Holberg Suite, Grieg - Performed on Piano by Gerhard Oppitz
• Thunder & Lightning (© Unknown) - by John Lewis, Gareth Marshallsea & C.Platt

It was one thing to have your HIV/AIDS diagnosis and your private life dragged through the British press. It was another if you were a respected medical or healthcare professional with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis.

In 1992 & 1993 Dr. Curran, Dr. Clayton & Dr. Shuttleworth were not only vilified for their private lives but had their professional reputation scrutinised by the press causing widespread panic among their patients and the public. It is unforgivable that their reporting of these men didn’t show them the same level of care and compassion the Doctor’s showed their patients.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - THE THREE DOCTORS

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS.

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers