Nationwide — Jonathan Carl, a 42-year-old man from London, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for rape and reckless HIV transmission. Police believe he may have exposed hundreds of men to infection through dating apps over four years.
Carl, a former hairdresser from Hornchurch, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm after prosecutors revealed he ignored treatment for his HIV and hid his status from partners, as reported by BBC.
The investigation began when two victims, who had met socially, compared experiences and realized they had both been assaulted by Carl. After reporting him to Romford police, officers discovered more than 400 of his contacts, aged between 17 and 60, on apps such as Grindr and Scruff.
Authorities have so far identified at least 82 men who have since been referred for urgent NHS health screenings. In the UK, intentionally or recklessly transmitting a sexually transmitted infection is considered grievous bodily harm under the law.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford described Carl as “very predatory,” adding that messages found on his devices revealed victims confronting him about acts that amounted to rape. He noted Carl’s decision not to take his medication and to hide his HIV status revealed a consistent pattern of recklessness.
Victims shared the emotional impact of his crimes. One said he felt “powerless” and “less than human,” saying he came forward to stop Carl from hurting others. Another said the ordeal destroyed his confidence in pursuing romantic relationships, leaving him battling guilt and fear.
Carl is also subject to a 15-year sexual prevention order, requiring him to inform police within three days of entering a new relationship and to disclose his HIV status if not on treatment.
The case comes amid ongoing concerns about the Metropolitan Police’s handling of cases involving the LGBTQ+ community, which continues to report low levels of trust in the force.