The Metropolitan Police have issued an urgent appeal for potential victims to come forward after a man from Hornchurch was jailed for transmitting HIV to multiple partners. With an estimated 400 men potentially affected, authorities are urging those who met him online or at his address to seek testing and support.
An appeal has been issued by the Metropolitan Police for potentially hundreds of victims to come forward following the conviction of Jonathan Carl, a 42-year-old man from Hornchurch, who was jailed for 17 years for rape and the reckless transmission of HIV. The case has raised significant alarm due to the scale of Carl’s offending and the public health risks involved.
Carl was convicted of one count of rape and grievous bodily harm after being found to have knowingly transmitted HIV to numerous sexual partners. The investigation began in January 2024, following allegations by two men who reported being raped in August 2023 and October 2022. Subsequent digital forensics, including an analysis of Carl’s mobile phone, social media, and dating app activity, revealed that Carl had used platforms such as Grindr and SCRUFF to meet men over a period of four years. Officers believe he may have had sexual contact with as many as 400 men during this time.
To date, 82 men have been identified and notified of the potential risk to their health, but police are urging many more who may have encountered Carl to come forward for confidential testing and support. Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Bishop, who led the investigation, conveyed concern for those unaccounted for and urged anyone who may have met Carl—whether online or at his distinctive Hornchurch address above a fish and chip shop—to seek urgent advice and testing. She emphasised that the welfare and wellbeing of these individuals remain a priority, with police working closely alongside NHS sexual health services and relevant charities to provide support.
The gravity of Carl’s actions is underscored by the legal classification of intentionally or recklessly transmitting a sexually transmitted infection as grievous bodily harm. Victims have spoken out about the profound psychological and emotional impact of Carl’s predatory behaviour. One victim described struggling with feelings of guilt and difficulty in forming romantic relationships, reflecting the long-term trauma inflicted by Carl’s actions. Another expressed a sense of powerlessness and a desperate motive to prevent further harm by encouraging others to come forward.
Multiple news outlets have highlighted the extraordinary breadth of this case. Reports indicate that Carl operated with alarming frequency, sometimes meeting up to four individuals in a day. His awareness of his HIV-positive status, coupled with his decision not to take treatment and to conceal this information, points to a callous disregard for the health and lives of others.
The Metropolitan Police have established dedicated contact channels for witnesses and potential victims, providing both direct and anonymous methods of communication. Health organisations including NHS sexual health services, Positive East, and other charities stand ready to offer confidential assistance.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with the reckless transmission of infectious diseases within intimate relationships, and the crucial role of law enforcement and public health agencies in protecting vulnerable communities.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative is recent, with the earliest known publication date being 19 September 2025. Multiple reputable outlets, including The Independent, ITV News, and Sky News, have reported on the case, indicating a high freshness score. The report is based on a press release from the Metropolitan Police, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data and new developments, justifying a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
Direct quotes from Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Bishop and other officials are consistent across multiple reputable outlets, indicating originality and no signs of reused content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable organisations, including The Independent, ITV News, and Sky News, all known for their journalistic standards. The Metropolitan Police’s press release serves as a primary source, further enhancing reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims are plausible and corroborated by multiple reputable outlets. The Metropolitan Police’s appeal for potential victims aligns with the reported facts. The narrative includes specific details, such as the use of dating apps Grindr and Scruff, and the number of identified victims, adding credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, based on a press release from the Metropolitan Police, and corroborated by multiple reputable outlets. Direct quotes are original and consistent, and the claims are plausible with specific supporting details. No signs of recycled content or disinformation were found.
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