A 29-year-old Cheltenham resident, Victor Valentine of St Paul’s, has been issued a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) by Cheltenham Magistrates' Court. The order was granted on Monday, 24 August, despite Valentine not having any convictions for sexual offences.
The court was informed that Valentine describes himself as a misogynist and is a member of an online incel group. He has a documented history of unprovoked violent behaviour towards women in public settings and has repeatedly breached previous civil orders imposed on him.
A Sexual Harm Prevention Order aims to safeguard the public from potential sexual harm by imposing specific restrictions on individuals considered a risk.
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Under the terms of the order, Valentine is barred from using any computer or device with internet access unless he complies with strict conditions. He is also prohibited from owning or possessing more than one internet-enabled device at any time and is forbidden from holding registered guest or alias accounts on the specified incel website or any other online platform, forum, chatroom, or application that promotes incel-related ideologies or content.
Additionally, he must not enter, use, or loiter near female-only public toilets, changing rooms, or similar spaces for any reason.
This order will remain in effect until 25 August 2031. Breaching any of the conditions could result in his arrest and a potential prison sentence of up to five years.
Detective Sergeant Paul Howell of the Public Protection Unit commented: “Valentine is known for his misogynistic hostility and violent behaviour towards women. We are pleased to have secured this Sexual Harm Prevention Order to protect women and girls in our community.”
He added, “Although Valentine has not been convicted of sexual offences, this preventative measure helps limit his capacity to further engage with harmful ideologies. The order also enables police to monitor his activities more closely to reduce the risk of further offending. Tackling violence against women and girls remains a top priority for Gloucestershire Constabulary, and we are committed to preventing such crimes, bringing offenders to justice, and ensuring safety for women and girls.”