ESSEX POLICE APPEAL FOR VICTIMS OF PREDATORY RAPIST JONATHAN CARL
Police have issued an appeal for potential victims of a “predatory” convicted rapist who met people from East London and Essex to come forward.Jonathan Carl, 42, was sentenced in June to 17 years’ imprisonment after being convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court of rape and grievous bodily harm of reckless transmission of HIV.
Police said their investigation began after a man reported that he had woken up to being raped after having met up socially with Carl.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford described Carl as a “predatory individual” and stated that “there are victims of rape out there who have not come forward to the police.” Carl had been using dating apps over several years, mainly met people at his home in Hornchurch from east London and Essex areas including Havering, Redbridge, Barking, and Dagenham.
Between 2019 and 2023, Carl made around “400 digital contacts” through Grindr and Scruff, some of whom he met or was close to meeting, with 82 already identified.
Some of those tested positive for HIV.
Ms.
Bishop noted that Carl targeted vulnerable men, some being unsure of their sexuality or experiencing their first sexual contact.
He worked as a hairdresser and was described as “prolific,” meeting three or four people daily on some occasions.
Carl was served a 15-year sexual prevention order, requiring him to notify police of new partners and disclose his HIV status if not on medication.
