An HIV+ New South Wales man has successfully sued his ex-partner for $757,487, saying he knowingly infected him with the virus.

The Sydney Star Observer reports that the plaintiff, who cannot be named, had repeatedly spoken to his ex about their HIV status before deciding to have unprotected sex. But the ex knew he was HIV positive, and the complainant later tested positive himself.

The plaintiff says “I was led to believe I was the one who infected him.” The experience had led him to a “total breakdown” and two suicide attempts.

This case is believed to be a first of its kind in Australia. New South Wales’ HIV groups have warned that criminal proceedings over HIV transmissions may lead to stigmatisation of people with HIV.

“In countries where a positive diagnosis is criminalised and stigmatised, people avoid testing. They therefore cannot access management and may be forced into risky situations,” Levinia Crooks, CEO of the Australasian Society for HIV Medicine, told the SSO.