A 34-year-old sexual offender received a prison sentence after contacting numerous young women and girls on the Vinted shopping app, violating his sexual risk order.
Details of the Breaches
Darrel Carter flattered the girls with messages such as telling them ‘how beautiful they were.’ Prosecutors revealed that he searched for bikinis and mid-length shorts on the platform while browsing profiles of dozens of underage users.
Carter faced restrictions from a 2020 court order that prohibited him from contacting anyone under 18 and limited his online activities. Despite this, he repeatedly accessed the app and sent messages to young girls.
Court Proceedings
At Carlisle Magistrates Court, evidence showed Carter failed to provide police with his username, another violation of the order. Prosecutor Diane Jackson stated that breaches began in 2023, including approaches to underage girls where he inquired if they had boyfriends.
Earlier sentences included 20 months in jail for contacting a 15-year-old girl in 2023 and a 27-month term in November 2024 for further breaches. On Friday, the court imposed an additional 34-week sentence, to run concurrently.
Defense Argument
Ant Wilson, representing Carter, explained that his client remained indoors constantly and struggled with declining mental health. Wilson noted Carter avoided meeting anyone aware of his prior convictions.
