Self-proclaimed misogynist banned from incel sites and ‘loitering’ near women’s toilets
A self-proclaimed misogynist with a history of violence against women has been banned from using incel websites.
Victor Valentine, 29, was deemed to pose such a high risk that he has been made subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).
Those are usually imposed on convicted sex offenders and place restrictions on their activity, such as where they can go, who they can talk to, or the extent to which they can access the internet.
But they can also be applied to people who haven’t been convicted of a sexual offence – as in Valentine’s case – when the police or the courts conclude they pose an immediate or persistent risk of sexual harm.
Gloucestershire Police said the SHPO against Valentine was a necessary ‘preventative measure to keep women and girls safe’.
The force said ‘although Valentine has not been convicted of any sexual offences, the court heard how he is a self-proclaimed misogynist and member of an online incel group, with a history of unprovoked violence towards women in a public setting’.
‘He has also persistently breached the terms of numerous Civil Orders handed to him.’
The SHPO bans Valentine from using any device with internet access unless he tells the police first and agrees to let officers inspect the browsing and location history on request.
He is also banned from a specific incel website and any other online forum spouting incel ideology as well as from ‘loitering’ near female toilets and changing rooms.
The order lasts until August 2013 and Valentine faces arrest and up to five years in prison if he breaches any of the conditions.
On November 25, 2024 Metro launched This Is Not Right, a campaign to address the relentless epidemic of violence against women.
With the help of our partners at Women’s Aid, This Is Not Right aims to shine a light on the sheer scale of this national emergency.
Detective Sergeant Paul Howell said: ‘Valentine is well-known for his misogynistic hostility and violence towards women, and we are pleased to have secured this SHPO against him.
‘Even though Valentine has not been convicted of any sexual offences, this is a preventative measure to keep women and girls in the county safe from harm.
‘This order will reduce Valentine’s ability to further explore his ideology and gives police the opportunity to monitor his behaviour in the community to help reduce his risk of further offending.’
