Leicester, UK – A Zimbabwean care worker, Dumiso Mpofu, has faced the consequences of a public act of self-gratification, resulting in job loss and a court appearance.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, 12 February, at approximately 11:30 am in Blackfordby, near Ashby, involved Mpofu engaging in a sex act on himself while in his car during a break.
A female dog walker, unexpectedly witnessing the act, reported Mpofu to Leicestershire Police. The prosecution, Sukhy Basi, recounted the events in Leicester Magistrates’ Court, stating: “A woman was walking her dog and noticed the defendant in a motor vehicle.”
Mr Basi highlighted the woman’s shock at the sight and the subsequent police action, leading to Mpofu’s arrest at his place of work. Mr Basi added a significant detail: “It happened in a residential area in daylight when the defendant could have been seen by children.”
Initially pleading not guilty to exposure, Mpofu’s case proceeded to trial last month. The dog walker’s testimony proved crucial in securing a guilty verdict. However, a surprising turn of events unfolded during Mpofu’s sentencing hearing on Friday, 22 November. He had changed his plea, admitting to the offence.
Wayne Hardy, representing Mpofu, explained the shift in his client’s stance. Mr Hardy stated: “It was a bit of a shock to read the contents of the (Probation Service) report. It’s unusual to get a full and frank admission to the offence; the individual is usually still in denial. He has capitulated and fully accepted responsibility for the offence. The defendant made a mistake.”
Mr Hardy offered context, revealing that Mpofu was on a video call with his girlfriend in Zimbabwe at the time of the incident. He said: “In the heat of the moment he became aroused while talking to his girlfriend on the phone.”
Mr Hardy emphasised that the exposure was not intentional, stating his client hadn’t anticipated anyone walking past. He explained the initial not-guilty plea as stemming from shame: “He pleaded not guilty ‘out of shame’ at what he had done.”
Mr Hardy further highlighted the significant consequences for Mpofu, stating: “It’s not a typical exposure case. It was clearly not the time or the place to commit the act and now he’s lost his good name and been convicted of a sexual offence.”
The court considered Mpofu’s lack of prior convictions and his good character. Steve Kinchington, chairman of the bench, announced a sentence that deviated from the usual guidelines for this offence. Instead of a harsher penalty, Mpofu received a community order, avoiding placement on the sex offenders register.
The community order, lasting nine months, includes 10 days on programmes recommended by the Probation Service. In addition to the community order, Mpofu was fined £311, ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge, and £620 in court costs.
The incident has had a profound impact on Mpofu’s life, resulting in the loss of his care home job. While he has since secured similar employment, the conviction and sentencing threaten his new position.
