LAWYERS defending a hairdresser accused of deliberately infecting a string of male lovers with HIV have been ordered to submit paperwork to avoid delays in his court case.

Judge Christine Henson served the order on defence barristers representing Daryll Rowe at Hove Crown Court yesterday. They had missed the deadline for submitting a defence statement to prosecutors - which is necessary for legal preparations for the trial in June to continue, the court heard. Judge Henson said the defence team had “not complied” with court orders and no application for more time had been made. She said the court should have been informed of any delays. She gave them seven days to submit the statement and scheduled another hearing for May for progress updates.

The court heard there are up to eight claimants in the case against the 26-year-old of no fixed address but previously from Edinburgh. The offences were said to have involved Rowe - who is HIV positive - having sex with alleged victims between October 2015 and January 31 in Brighton last year. He denies seven counts of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) and one count of attempted GBH. He is currently remanded in custody at HMP Durham.