A self-confessed misogynist who posed a threat to women in Cheltenham has been handed a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Victor Valentine, 29, from St Paul's, was issued the order at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Monday, August 24, despite not having any sexual offence convictions.
Court hears of unprovoked aggression
The court was told that Valentine is a self-confessed misogynist and member of an online incel group, with a history of unprovoked aggression towards women in public places. He has also repeatedly violated the terms of numerous Civil Orders given to him.
A Sexual Harm Prevention Order is a court order designed to safeguard the public from sexual harm by limiting the actions of those considered to pose a risk, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Conditions of the order
Valentine is now banned from using a computer or device capable of accessing the internet unless he has notified the police VISOR team within 3 days of the acquisition of any device; and he registers the device with the police VISOR team. The device must have the capacity to retain and display the history of internet use, be at all times set to retain that history, and no history of internet use may be deleted. The device must also have location data turned on at all times, with no location data deleted, and must be made immediately available on request for inspection by a police officer or police staff employee.
He is also forbidden from owning or possessing more than one internet-enabled device at all times and from having a registered guest or alias account on a specified incel website or any other online platform, forum, chatroom, or application that promotes or facilitates incel-related ideology or content. Valentine is prohibited from entering, using or loitering near a female public toilet, changing room or female-only space for any reason.
Order in effect until 2031
The order will remain in effect until August 25, 2031, and Valentine could be arrested if he breaches any of his conditions. He could face up to five years in prison.
Detective Sergeant Paul Howell from the Public Protection Unit stated: "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."
"Tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a priority for Gloucestershire Constabulary and we will do all we can to prevent crimes, bring offenders to justice, and protect women and girls."
