VIVENDRA ASHAFI LAL OFFENDER IN HAMPSHIRE SPARKS MANHUNT AND IS SENTENCED IN COURT

A convicted sex offender, Vivendra Ashafi Lal, caused a manhunt across Hampshire by driving through towns and exposing himself to women. The 42-year-old left his victims distressed, crying, and hysterical, a court was told. Prosecutor Mark Gadsden explained that Lal operated in Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford, and Fair Oak, often driving his Toyota in the area. He would approach women with the phrase, "whereabouts of McDonald’s," before engaging in inappropriate acts. Mr. Gadsden stated, "He would then proceed to fondle or masturbate himself." All of Lal’s victims were women aged between 54 and 83; one was a young woman with learning difficulties who was reduced to tears after he approached her in Chandler’s Ford. Another victim recounted that when she realized Lal’s trousers were down and he was fully exposed, she "immediately screamed and walked away quickly," describing how the experience left her "shaking and hysterical." In a final incident, Lal was caught touching himself in front of a woman gardening at her home in Fair Oak. After driving off, Lal realized his route was a dead end and attempted to obscure his vehicle's registration plate. When he exited, a witness took a photo and reported him to police. An investigation ensued, leading to his arrest. Lal made no comment during police interviews. He appeared before Southampton Crown Court and pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent exposure committed between September and October 2019. His defense lawyer, Laura Deuxberry, stated, "He hasn’t offended in the last year and seven months. Your honour, you will have already heard more than once he is of previous good character." She expressed that Lal was ashamed and remorseful, wishing to understand why these events occurred and asking for a suspended sentence. However, Judge Peter Henry described the offences as "extremely unpleasant" and deemed them too serious to overlook, ruling that Lal was an untreated sex offender whose rehabilitation could help protect the public. The judge sentenced him to nine months in prison, suspended for two years. Lal is also required to register as a sex offender for ten years, attend 31 sessions of an accredited program, complete 120 hours of unpaid work, and participate in ten rehabilitation days.