MANGESH DEV'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN COLCHESTER: NEWSAGENT'S BATTERY AND ASSAULT REVEALED

In a recent court case that has sent shockwaves through the Colchester community, Mangesh Dev, a 42-year-old former newsagent, was found guilty of inappropriate and aggressive conduct towards two of his customers. The incidents, which took place in 2021, have led to Dev being fined and his reputation severely damaged.

According to court records, Dev, who resided on Henry Everett Grove in Colchester, engaged in behavior that was described as overly familiar and inappropriate during his time running Claydons newsagents located on High Street. The court heard that his actions included physical contact and unwanted advances towards customers, which ultimately resulted in his conviction for battery.

Judge David Pugh, presiding over the case at Ipswich Crown Court, sentenced Dev to a fine of £500, split equally between two offences. The judge emphasized that Dev’s conduct had serious repercussions, including the forced sale of his business, highlighting the damaging impact of his actions on his personal and professional life.

The prosecution, led by Brian Reece, detailed the incidents that occurred in August and September of 2021. The first incident involved a woman in her mid-20s who was a customer at Dev’s shop. Reece explained that Dev had begun dancing with her inside the store, which was already inappropriate. The situation escalated when Dev attempted to kiss her on the mouth. The woman managed to turn away, and the kiss landed on her cheek instead. As she was leaving the premises, Dev further assaulted her by slapping her on the bottom with enough force to cause her pain.

The second incident involved a 16-year-old girl, also a regular customer at the shop. Reece stated that Dev had come out from behind the counter, embraced her in a hug, and then asked for a kiss. He proceeded to kiss her on the mouth and, in a further display of misconduct, asked for “a better kiss.” These actions, which took place in September 2021, were deemed to be serious breaches of conduct and resulted in Dev’s conviction for battery.

Dev initially denied the charges of sexual assault, which dated back to 2021, but ultimately pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of battery during the court proceedings. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of his actions and the impact they have had on the victims and the community at large.