RUNNING OUT OF TIME

Campaigner Robert calls for compensation five decades after an infected product left him with hepatitis C

- VIVIENNE AITKEN

A SCOT infected with contaminated blood has told of his five decade fight for justice as a landmark report is published today.

Robert Viana-Ross was 10 years old when he received his first infusion of blood product Factor VIII-a treatment used to control bleeding in patients with haemophilia.

But he later developed hepatitis C as a result of the infected transfusion - ruining his life.

Now he and other victims hope today's publication of Sir Brian Langstaff's Infected Blood Inquiry report will give them answers they have been desperately searching for.

But they fear that thousands have already died waiting for justice and compensation.

Robert, 56, said: "It is time for action, no more talking, they have to pay for what they have done.

"Some of us have had 50 years of living with it every single day and we will die from it. My mum and dad trusted doctors when they gave me Factor VIII.

"I am not looking to find an individual and hang them. It is not about revenge.

"But people knew there was a risk and they were still prepared to take a chance knowing they could infect you.

"I just want to know whatever time I have got left will be comfortable. They need to get the compensation right and the payments need to come quickly because people are dying weekly."

It is the second time Scots victims have pinned their hopes on an inquiry.