Men are encouraged to come forward following the incarceration of the Hornchurch Rapist, Jonathan Carl, for rape and the reckless transfer of a sexually transmitted disease, with whom many may have interacted via Grindr or Scruff.
The Metropolitan Police is collaborating with partners to locate further victim-survivors following an investigation that resulted in a man’s conviction for rape and the reckless spread of a sexually transmitted infection.
Jonathan Carl, 42, (born 29 April 1983) of Station Road, Hornchurch, was sentenced to 17 years in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 29 August, and received a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. On Wednesday, 11 June, he was convicted of one count of rape and entered a guilty plea for one count of severe bodily injury.
Detectives are still seeking assistance in identifying additional potential victims of rape and irresponsible transmission.
“You may have met Jonathan 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 well-being 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 allegations of rape were reported by two men; the offences took place in August 2023 and October 2022.
Detectives acted swiftly and arrested Jonathan Carl on 25 January 2024 to prevent any further offending. Jonathan Carl was identified through digital download examinations and co-location data from the victim’s and suspects’ phones.
Jonathan Carl was charged with rape and GBH on 4 February 2024 in relation to the allegations made in January 2024.
The investigation involved an in-depth digital analysis of Jonathan Carl’s mobile phone; the 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 Jonathan 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 Jonathan Carl’s health status.
However, detectives believe there are hundreds more who may still be unaware.
Two victims have bravely come forward to help with our appeal, to share a few words to show the impact Jonathan 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 the 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 the Person Act, which 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 the police, you can dial 101 or use 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.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the people highlighted on this website, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report to Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.