In a significant legal case described as a “milestone” by London’s Metropolitan Police, a UK court sentenced Guy Mukendi, 39, from South London, to four years and three months in prison for unlawfully removing a condom during sex.
Mukendi was convicted in April and subsequently sentenced after being arrested in May last year following a sexual assault report by a young woman in Brixton, south London.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the woman had consented to intercourse with Mukendi under the condition that he used a condom. However, he removed the condom without her knowledge during the act.
In England and Wales, non-consensual condom removal, also known as “stealthing,” is classified as rape. The Metropolitan Police noted that such prosecutions are rare due to under-reporting but emphasized their commitment to seeking justice for victims.
“This landmark case underscores the Met’s ongoing commitment to a victim-centered approach in tackling crimes that disproportionately affect women and girls,” the police stated in a detailed announcement about the prosecution.
Mukendi was found guilty on April 2 at Inner London Crown Court and received his sentence on Thursday at the same court. Detective Constable Jack Earl, who led the investigation, emphasized the thoroughness of their case against Mukendi, stating, “Throughout this investigation, Mukendi denied any wrongdoing, but our officers built a compelling case against him to leave no doubt in the jury’s mind. We were dedicated to securing justice for the victim and will continue to raise awareness that this crime is a form of rape.”
AFP
