Matching with someone on a dating app, exchanging messages and agreeing to meet them does not mean consenting to sex, Jersey police have stressed following the conviction of a man today for raping a woman he met on an app.

Ian Michael Agostini (31) was convicted by a Royal Court jury of two counts of rape, one count of sexual penetration without consent and one count of sexual touching without consent following a trial this week. He was acquitted of a further count of sexual penetration without consent.

Messages to meeting

The court case concerned a woman who had recently joined a dating platform in early 2025 after encouragement from friends.

The force said she had limited experience of dating and, after exchanging messages with Agostini over several days, had suggested that they go for a walk or meet somewhere public.

Instead, Agostini invited her at short notice to meet him at his home for the first time.

According to Police, she agreed believing that it would be an opportunity for the pair to introduce themselves and get to know one another.

When she arrived, Agostini “immediately sexualised the interaction”, officers said, causing the woman to freeze.

Following the incident, she went immediately to the Emergency Department and Police were contacted, prompting an investigation.

“Consent is clear, ongoing and freely given”

Detective Constable Luke Freeman, who led the investigation, said: “Consent is clear, ongoing, and freely given. Meeting someone through a dating application, exchanging messages, or agreeing to meet in person does not constitute consent to any sexual activity.

“We recognise how difficult it can be for victims of sexual offending to come forward, particularly where the suspect is someone they have recently met or trusted.

“We hope this outcome reassures victims that they will be listened to, treated with respect, and supported throughout the criminal justice process.”

Agostini will be sentenced at a later date.

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