Police are looking to identify 318 people who are potential victims of Jonathan Carl
Moment Jonathan Carl, 42, is arrested by police in January 2024
A jailed East London rapist could have infected as many as 400 people with an STI following a horrific spate of sex crimes. Jonathan Carl, 42, exclaimed “rape? I can’t believe it” when police arrived at his Hornchurch home to arrest him in January 2024.
But this naïve façade washed away quickly when prosecutors revealed in court how he had raped one man, and knowingly transmitted HIV to another on two separate occasions on October 2022 and August 2023. Carl had been identified by detectives who examined digital downloads and location data from the victims’ phones.
After Carl was charged with rape and GBH (for knowingly transmitting HIV) on February 4 2024, detectives then carried out a deep digital analysis of his phone. They scoured his phone calls and social media messages, and found out he had been using multiple dating sites – including Grindr and SCRUFF – to meet men.
Carl, of Station Road in Hornchurch, was jailed for 17 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, August 29 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, June 11.
The Metropolitan Police believes 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.
Officers now believe there are hundreds more who may still be unaware.
‘It made me feel less than human’
One victim who bravely came forward said: “[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.”
A second victim added: “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.”
‘Please come forward if you believe you’re a victim of Jonathan Carl’
The Met has issued an appeal as officers are extremely concerned about the wellbeing of those who have not yet been identified.
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 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.”
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, [email protected].
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.
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