A HUDDERSFIELD man who contracted HIV, Hepatitis C and CJD from contaminated blood has slammed a new government settlement.

Now in his 40s, the haemophiliac father-of-one was just 17 when his parents told him that the blood given to him as part of his treatment was infected.

It was later revealed it had been donated by American prisoners in the 1970s, some of whom were drug users.

Last week, the government attempted to bring closure to the issue with a new deal offering more money to those whose hepatitis C infection had caused serious disease. Currently a one-off payment of £20,000 goes to the infected, with a further £25,000 if they develop cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Under the new terms those with severe diseases will be given an annual payment of £12,800 a year. Those who have been given a lump sum already will see it increased to £50,000.

The Huddersfield man, who is pressing for a full public inquiry into the scandal, said the offer was: “The least amount possible for the least amount of people.

Asking to remain anonymous to protect his family, he added: “This is nothing like compensation. All this does is alleviate the financial burden of a widow or widower. We’ve worked out that a relatively low number of people infected will be eligible for it.”

Haemophiliacs are treated using the blood clotting agent Factor 8.