Hornchurch Man Jailed For Rape As Police Fear Hundreds More Victims Out There.

The Metropolitan Police are appealing for more victims to come forward after a Hornchurch man was jailed for rape and reckless transmission of a sexually transmitted disease in one of the most shocking cases the borough has ever seen.

Jonathan Carl, 42, of Station Road, Hornchurch, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 29 August to 17 years in prison and handed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He was found guilty of one count of rape and had previously pleaded guilty to one count of grievous bodily harm.

Police fear Carl’s crimes could involve hundreds of men.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Bishop, who led the investigation, said:
“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.

“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.”

The police investigation began in January 2024 after allegations of rape were reported by two men, with offences dating back to October 2022. Carl was swiftly arrested on 25 January to prevent further attacks.

In a chilling discovery, detectives uncovered that Carl had used dating apps including Grindr and SCRUFF to meet men. Mobile phone data, social media records, and cell site information revealed the true scale of his predatory behaviour. Officers believe Carl may have had sexual contact with up to 400 men over four years.

So far, 82 men have been identified and supported, but detectives fear hundreds remain unaware of their potential exposure.

Two victims have bravely chosen to share their words in the hope that others will come forward.

Victim one 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.”

Victim two said:
“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.”

Carl’s actions have left lasting scars on those he targeted. What he did goes beyond criminality — it is a horror story of betrayal, violence, and destruction of trust.

The law is clear: it is a serious offence under the Offences Against the Person Act to intentionally or recklessly transmit a sexually transmitted infection, amounting to grievous bodily harm.

Appeal for victims
Anyone who may have had contact with Jonathan Carl is urged to contact detectives directly on 0207175273 or email survivors@met.police.uk.

To contact police, you can dial 101 or report online, quoting CAD2972/19Sept25.

Confidential support is also available through NHS sexual health services and charities including SHL, Galop, Positive East, NAT, The Havens and SARCs. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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