Appeal for victims to come forward following the sentencing of Jonathan Carl

The Met is working closely with partners to identify further victim-survivors after an investigation led to a man being jailed for rape and reckless transmission of a sexually transmitted disease.

Jonathan Carl, 42, (29.4.1983) of Station Road, Hornchurch was jailed for 17 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 29 August and handed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He had been found guilty of one count of rape and pleaded guilty to one count of grievous bodily harm on Wednesday, 11 June.

Now detectives are appealing for help in identifying many more potential victims of rape and reckless transmission.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Bishop, who led the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, said: “Our investigation uncovered the scale of Carl’s offending and ensured he was brought to justice. But we remain extremely concerned about the wellbeing of those who have not yet been identified. We believe as many as 318 men may be a victim, and might need to come forward for testing and support.

“You may have met Carl through an online dating platform, or visited his home address in Hornchurch, which is distinctively located above a fish and chip shop.

“Your health and wellbeing are our absolute priority. We are working closely with NHS partners and charities to ensure anyone affected can access confidential testing, advice, and support. Please be assured you are not alone – we are here to help.”

Police launched an investigation in January 2024 after an allegations of rape were reported by two men, the offences took place in August 2023 and October 2022.

Detectives acted swiftly and arrested Carl on 25, January 2024 to prevent any further offending. Carl was identified through digital download examinations and co-location data from the victim and suspects phones.

Carl was charged with rape and GBH on 4, February 2024 in relation to the allegations made in January 2024.

The investigation involved in-depth digital analysis of Carl’s mobile phone, police analysed phone calls, social media messages and cell site information. These combined revealed that Carl had used multiple dating apps, including Grindr and SCRUFF, to meet men.

Detectives believe Carl had sexual contact with up to 400 men over four years.

So far, 82 men have been identified and spoken to, they were advised by the NHS after being informed of Carl’s health status.

However, detectives believe there are hundreds more who may still be unaware.

Two victims have bravely came forward to help with our appeal, to share a few words to show the impact Carl had on them:

Victim one: “[I felt] powerless, I felt like there was nothing I could do. It made me feel like I didn't matter, it made me feel less than human. The main reason I came forward to police, is because I wanted to stop this from happening to anyone else.”

Victim two “It has damaged me from having any sort of romantic relationship in the future, due to people's overall thoughts on HIV. It makes me fry my brain as I overthink about what I could have done differently. I still struggle with this guilty feeling.”

It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly transmit a sexually transmitted infection under the offences against a persons act, it amounts to grievous bodily harm.

Anyone who may have had contact with Jonathan Carl is urged to contact detectives directly on 0207175273, you can also email, survivors@met.police.uk.

To contact police, you can dial 101 or via our online reporting system and state reference CAD2972/19Sept25.

You can also seek confidential support through NHS sexual health services or charities by following these links: NHS, SHL, Galop, Positive East, NAT, The Havens or SARCs.

To remain anonymous, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There is support out there for you, please come forward in confidence.