MANGESH DEV FROM COLCHESTER FACES FINE AFTER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AT HIS NEWSAGENT BUSINESS

A former newsagent from Colchester has been handed a financial penalty after engaging in inappropriate and overfamiliar conduct towards two customers, which included physical contact and unwanted gestures. The incident has not only led to legal repercussions but also had severe personal and professional consequences for him.

42-year-old Mangesh Dev, who resided on Henry Everett Grove in Colchester, was found guilty of actions that crossed the line of acceptable behavior. The court heard that Dev had previously denied two charges of sexual assault related to incidents that occurred in 2021. However, during proceedings at Ipswich Crown Court on a recent Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to lesser charges of battery. As a result, he was ordered to pay a fine of £250 for each of the two offences, totaling £500, along with additional costs of £500.

Prosecutor Brian Reece provided details of the incidents, which took place at Dev’s business, Claydons newsagents, situated on High Street in Colchester. The first incident occurred in August 2021 and involved a woman in her mid-20s. According to the court, Dev had begun dancing with her inside the shop, which was an inappropriate and unwelcome gesture. The situation escalated when Dev attempted to kiss her on the mouth. The woman managed to turn away, avoiding the kiss, but as she was leaving the premises, Dev reportedly smacked her on the bottom with enough force to cause her pain.

The second incident took place in September 2021 and involved a 16-year-old girl, who was a regular customer at the shop. Court documents state 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 then further requested “a better kiss,” which was an unwelcome and inappropriate advance. These actions have been described as overfamiliar and distressing, leading to Dev’s legal and personal downfall.

The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of these misconducts, emphasizing the impact on the victims and the consequences faced by Dev, including the loss of his business and the financial penalties imposed. The case highlights the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and respecting personal space in commercial settings, especially when dealing with customers of varying ages.