'Self-proclaimed misogynist' posed 'risk' to women

A man with a history of unprovoked violence towards women who was described in court as a "self-proclaimed misogynist" has been given a sexual harm prevention order.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said Victor Valentine, from the St Paul's area of Cheltenham, posed a risk to women in the town and the order was a "preventative measure".

It bans the 29-year-old from using any device with access to the internet unless he notifies police and also prevents him entering or loitering near female public toilets or changing rooms.

As well as a history of violence, Gloucestershire Police said Valentine had persistently breached civil orders placed on him. He has not been convicted of any sexual offences.

Det Sgt Paul Howell from Gloucestershire Police's public protection unit said Valentine was "well-known for his misogynistic hostility and violence towards women".

He said the order would "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".

The order handed to Valentine at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Monday also bans him from having an account on a specified incel website, as well as any other online forum or app that promotes incel-related ideology.

Police said Valentine had been a member of an online incel group.

The term incel - short for "involuntary celibate" - refers to people, often young men, who say they are unable to find a sexual partner. The online movement has been linked to serious violence around the world.

Under the terms of the order, Valentine is only allowed one internet-enabled device at all times. It must be able to retain internet search history and location information, and be immediately available for inspection by police whenever requested.

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