Man Jailed for Contacting Women on Vinted Using Undisclosed Username

A man has been sentenced to prison after breaching legal restrictions by contacting women online using a username he failed to disclose to police.

Darrel Stephen Carter, 34, was previously made subject to a Sexual Risk Order (SRO) in 2020, which imposed strict conditions on his online activity and interactions. The order required him to inform police of any usernames or aliases he used on the internet within three days.

However, between May 4 and May 7, officers discovered that Carter had been using the online marketplace platform Vinted under an undisclosed username. Investigations revealed he had viewed numerous profiles, primarily of women, and sent multiple messages complimenting their appearance and asking about their relationship status.

The court heard that Carter had a history of breaching court orders and had previously been jailed for similar offences, including unlawful contact with a minor. At the time of the latest offence, he was subject to strict notification requirements linked to his previous convictions.

Carter admitted failing to comply with these requirements. Magistrates sentenced him to an immediate 34-week prison term, to run alongside an existing custodial sentence after he was recalled to prison. He is expected to remain in custody until early 2027.

The case highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to enforce court orders designed to protect the public, particularly women and young people, from individuals considered to pose a risk online.

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