In a landmark case that has drawn attention to the issue of non-consensual condom removal, often referred to as “stealthing”, a man has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison.
Guy Mukendi, 39, of Brixton in south London, was sentenced on Thursday for removing a condom during sex without the consent of his partner. The incident, which took place in May 2023, was reported by a young woman in Brixton. She had consented to sex with Mukendi on the condition that a condom was used. However, during the encounter, Mukendi removed the condom without her knowledge.
Non-consensual condom removal is classified as rape under English and Welsh law. However, prosecutions for this type of crime are very rare due to under-reporting. The Metropolitan Police described this case as a “milestone” and “unique”.
The police worked with the victim to obtain screenshots of messages Mukendi sent where he apologised for taking the condom off. In these messages, Mukendi sought to explain his actions by saying he had not had sex in a long time. He then deleted the messages, but the screenshots contributed to securing his conviction.
Detective Constable Jack Earl, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s bravery and urged others who have been victims of sexual violence to report it. “The victim did the right thing to call the police straight away and her bravery should not be overshadowed,” he said.
Kate Holmes, head of Sexual Violence Helplines at Survivors Gateway, added that survivors of sexual violence in London can contact the Survivor’s Gateway for support.
This case highlights the seriousness of “stealthing” and the need for increased awareness and reporting of such incidents. It serves as a reminder that consent is not just about the act of sex itself, but also about the conditions under which it takes place.
