A Bountiful woman who claims her husband gave her a sexually transmitted disease has sued him, a case which could be the first of its kind in Utah.

In the lawsuit filed last week in 2nd District Court in Davis County, Jeri Layne Smith Burr alleges she was infected by her husband, Randon J. Burr, during the course of their 15-year marriage.She contends her husband is guilty of intentional infliction of emotional distress, battery and negligence. Her suit does not ask for a specific award, only for general, special and punitive damages.

The couple are divorcing, said Salt Lake City attorney James B. Hanks. Hanks, who represents Jeri Burr, said that the couple have three children.

Randon Burr couldn't be reached for comment.

The couple were married July 18, 1980, after which Burr allegedly contracted one or more sexually transmitted diseases, the lawsuit says. He later infected his wife with a sexual disease that was diagnosed in June 1995, she alleges.

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The suit charges that Randon Burr either intended to cause his wife emotional distress or acted with reckless disregard by giving her the disease. She claims he had a duty to keep himself free from sexually transmitted diseases and not to have sex with her after he was infected.

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