In one of the most disturbing criminal cases to hit east London in recent memory, Jonathan Carl, a 42-year-old man from Hornchurch, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after being found guilty of rape and reckless transmission of HIV to potentially hundreds of men. The Metropolitan Police, who led the investigation, have launched an urgent appeal for additional victims to come forward, fearing that as many as 318 men remain unidentified and at risk.
Carl’s conviction at Snaresbrook Crown Court on August 29, 2025, followed a lengthy and complex investigation that began in January 2024. According to Sky News, the case was triggered when two men reported allegations of rape, with the offences said to have occurred in October 2022 and August 2023. Detectives moved quickly, arresting Carl on January 25, 2024, to prevent further attacks. He was charged in February with one count of rape and one count of grievous bodily harm, the latter relating to the reckless transmission of a sexually transmitted infection.
The investigation soon revealed the staggering scale of Carl’s predatory behavior. Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Bishop, who led the inquiry, told The Havering Daily, “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.”
Police described Carl as a “predatory individual” who used multiple dating apps, including Grindr and Scruff, to meet men between 2019 and 2023. Through painstaking digital analysis—reviewing mobile phone data, social media messages, and cell site information—officers uncovered that Carl may have had sexual contact with up to 400 men over a four-year period. So far, 82 men have been identified and supported, but hundreds more could be at risk of HIV exposure.
The investigation found that Carl’s home address, distinctively located above a fish and chip shop on Station Road in Hornchurch, was a recurring meeting place. Police are urging anyone who may have met Carl through online platforms or visited his home to come forward, emphasizing that their health and wellbeing are the top 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,” said Detective Chief Inspector Bishop in her appeal.
The law is unambiguous on this matter: intentionally or recklessly transmitting a sexually transmitted infection is a serious offence under the Offences Against the Person Act, amounting to grievous bodily harm. Carl was not only handed a lengthy prison sentence but was also served with a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This order requires him to notify police within three days of having a new sexual partner and to disclose his HIV status if he is not taking his medication.
The emotional and psychological impact of Carl’s actions on his victims has been profound. Two men, choosing to remain anonymous, shared statements in the hope of encouraging others to seek help. One victim expressed, “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.”
Another victim described the lasting damage: “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.” These testimonies underscore the ripple effects of Carl’s crimes, which extend far beyond the physical harm inflicted.
According to The Havering Daily, the Metropolitan Police’s appeal remains ongoing as of September 20, 2025. Officers are urging anyone who may have had contact with Carl to reach out directly to detectives on 0207175273 or via email at [email protected]. For those seeking confidentiality, support is available through NHS sexual health services and a range of charities, including SHL, Galop, Positive East, NAT, The Havens, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). Anonymous reports can also be made to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
The digital trail left by Carl was instrumental in uncovering the breadth of his offences. Investigators used digital download examinations and location data to identify him, as reported by BBC. A thorough analysis of his mobile phone and social media activity revealed a pattern of meeting men through dating apps and engaging in sexual contact without disclosing his HIV status. Police fear that many more victims remain unaware of their potential exposure, particularly given the stigma and fear that often surrounds HIV.
The case has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community in London and beyond, raising urgent questions about safety, disclosure, and the responsibilities of those living with communicable diseases. While the law is clear, the human cost of Carl’s actions is immeasurable. The Metropolitan Police, NHS, and partner charities are working tirelessly to ensure that those affected receive the support and care they need.
Detective Chief Inspector Bishop reinforced the message of support: “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.”
For now, the focus remains on identifying and supporting the remaining potential victims. The police and health services are urging anyone who may have had sexual contact with Jonathan Carl, or who may have visited his distinctive Hornchurch address, to come forward for confidential testing and support. As the investigation continues, authorities hope that increased awareness and community outreach will help prevent further harm and provide a measure of justice and healing to those affected.
The case of Jonathan Carl stands as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from predatory behavior and the reckless disregard for others’ health. It also highlights the crucial importance of digital forensics in modern policing, the need for robust support networks for victims, and the ongoing challenge of combating stigma around HIV and sexual assault. As the Metropolitan Police’s appeal continues, the hope is that every victim will find the courage to seek help—and that lessons learned here will lead to stronger protections for all.
