WESLEY MUSTAPHA AND SHOCKING INDECENCY ON TRAIN IN HAYLING ISLAND AND SOUTHAMPTON

Wesley Mustapha, an actor known for his stage performances and set to take on the role of an Ugly Sister in a forthcoming production of Cinderella at Malvern Theatres, has been removed from the cast following a disturbing incident that occurred on a train journey. Mustapha, who performs under the stage name Wezley Sebastian, was detained by police at Southampton Central Railway Station after fellow passengers witnessed him engaging in inappropriate behaviour in a crowded carriage.

The incident has garnered significant attention, as witnesses describe a scene that caused alarm among travelers, including children as young as ten. According to reports, Mustapha appeared to be touching himself in a manner that shocked those nearby. Despite the episode, Malvern Theatres chose not to comment publicly, citing that Mustapha was not directly booked through their organization but by UK Productions, the company responsible for the upcoming show. Martin Dodd, the producer representing UK Productions, confirmed the swift response: “As soon as this came to our attention, his contract was cancelled.” Dodd emphasized that Mustapha had not previously worked with them, and this production would have marked his debut appearance in the role.

The director of the Cinderella production, David Ball, has since announced that he will be replacing Mustapha in the upcoming performances. The show is scheduled to run at Malvern Theatres from December 14 through January 7.

Court proceedings revealed that Mustapha had reportedly consumed a “heavy night of drinking” before boarding the train, which was bound for his hometown of Portsmouth. Witnesses who observed the incident voiced horror at his actions, describing how passengers urged him to cease his behaviour but found the situation distressing, especially given the presence of young children in the same carriage.

Mustapha, aged 37, pleaded not guilty to the charge of exposure, but a verdict was reached in his absence when Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard the case last month. The prosecution presented evidence that he had spent the night intoxicated before the event. His defence lawyer, Andrew Coley, argued that Mustapha was under the influence of alcohol during the incident and that he had no memory of what transpired, as he was reportedly found with his trousers down and appeared to be sleeping when observed. Mr. Coley added that a bystander had assumed he was merely sleeping and did not see the inappropriate behaviour at the time.

In addition to the exposure charge, Mustapha was found to be in possession of cannabis at the time of his arrest on January 29, which further complicated his legal situation. The court also heard that the actor’s actions had led to the loss of a previous contract with a theatre company based in Birmingham, effectively ending his recent work opportunities. Historically, Mustapha has had a diverse career within the performing arts, including roles as an actor, director, and choreographer. Notably, he starred as Miss Understanding in *Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert* and was part of the cast of the West End production of *Hairspray.*

Mustapha did not attend his trial, but during the police interview following his arrest, he reportedly told officers, “I do what I want with my body. I understand my actions may upset people. But I am very liberal.”

A witness named Shane Dartmoor, a bartender at the scene, testified that he saw Mustapha with his trousers around his knees and remarked on his apparent lack of awareness about the inappropriate nature of his conduct. Dartmoor expressed concern over the safety of other passengers, stating, “He didn’t really seem to see what he was doing as wrong. All I thought about was the other women and children in the carriage. It was disgusting.”

As part of his sentencing, Wesley Mustapha, with an address on Old School Drive, Hayling Island, has received an 18-month community order. He is also required to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and must notify police of any changes to his circumstances for the next five years. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £620 and an £85 victim surcharge.

The incident has cast a shadow over Mustapha’s career and the upcoming production of Cinderella, which remains scheduled to run at Malvern Theatres throughout the festive season.