An HIV positive crook who stole from his gay lovers in revenge for contracting the virus has been jailed for 16 months.
Ivan Stefancik, of Lullington Road, Crystal Palace, pocketed at least £9,000 from 10 men he slept with over two years.
The Slovakian-born 31-year-old stole his victims' clothes, computer equipment and other items and went shopping with their credit cards.
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Blackfriars Crown Court heard the former teacher left his homeland two years ago after coming out to his parents.
He claimed he had contracted the virus from one of his victims in Britain and while homeless and "in freefall" he stole to support himself.
When he was arrested on March 25 this year he confessed to the police.
Stefancik pleaded guilty to 14 counts of fraud by false representation and two counts of theft. He asked for four other matters to be taken into consideration.
Diane Buck, mitigating, told the court: "He feels some of these offences may be linked to resentment for the way he contracted the infection.
"He struggled with his sexuality, dated several females, but realised he was in fact not being true to himself and came out to his parents.
"But he was subject to discrimination."
Stefancik came to the UK after contacting a man who offered him a job and a home.
But he felt betrayed after contracting HIV from the man who had offered him employment and a place to stay, the court heard.
Miss Buck added: "He then found himself in a vicious cycle of relationships or one-night stands.
"He saw it as a bed for the night as he had nowhere to stay."
The court heard Stefancik has since formed a more committed relationship.
Sentencing him on Monday (April 28), Judge John Hillen said Stefancik's criminal history possibly went back to his homeland, where more allegations of theft and dishonesty are recorded.
He added: "Since you have come to this country you have been thoroughly dishonest.
"There is no information before me that you were deliberately seeking out partners in order to steal from them, but once in a relationship you stole from them.
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