Man Jailed for Breaching Sexual Risk Order by Messaging Women on Vinted

A man who contacted dozens of women through online marketplace Vinted has been jailed for breaching a sexual risk order.

Darrel Carter, 34, received the order in 2020 to reduce the risk he posed to women. Carlisle Magistrates' Court heard he had served several jail sentences since then, including one for unlawfully contacting a 15-year-old girl in 2023.

Prosecutor Diane Jackson said Carter sent many messages to female Vinted users in May. He told them "how beautiful they were" and searched for bikinis, mini-shorts and other items.

Carter admitted failing to tell police about his online username, a requirement of his order. The court handed him an immediate 34-week jail term.

In 2020, a court imposed an indefinite sexual risk order against Carter. It banned him from contacting girls under 18 and placed tough restrictions on his use of electronic devices.

Three years later, Carter admitted unlawfully contacting a 15-year-old girl. He received a 20-month jail term for that offense.

On Friday, Carlisle Magistrates' Court heard Carter had visited a very large number of female Vinted profiles. He sent dozens of messages, with Jackson saying, "He was telling them how beautiful they were, complimenting them and asking if they had boyfriends."

Carter, of Carlisle, confirmed the sender's profile was his. In court, he admitted breaching notification requirements by not promptly disclosing the username.

The court heard Carter received a 27-month prison sentence in November 2024 for breaching a court order. He had been recalled to serve the balance of that term and was due for release in mid-February 2027. But he had been released from custody on licence in late December.

Defence lawyer Ant Wilson said Carter's mental health had gone downhill. He had been staying in all the time and did not want to bump into anyone who might know about his convictions.