THERAPIST FOUND LIABLE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT, ORDERED TO PAY £217,000 DAMAGES
A woman named Ella Janneh, who claimed she was raped by her therapist during an alleged incident in August 2016 at his clinic in Belsize Park, north London, has been awarded more than £217,000 in damages after winning a civil case against Michael Lousada.Janneh, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, detailed that during a therapy session, Lousada made disturbing claims such as using his penis to absorb trauma and told her that his penis was like a laser beam capable of burning up trauma.
She reported feeling betrayed by the police and CPS after their decision not to prosecute her criminally in 2018.
The court found that Janneh lacked capacity to consent to the sexual acts, especially since she was experiencing a dissociative state at the time.
Justice Jeremy Baker emphasized that Lousada's actions exceeded legitimate therapy, with the court noting the sexual activity was non-consensual.
Lousada, who had previously appeared on TV as a renowned sex therapist, denied the allegations, claiming all acts were consensual and part of approved therapeutic practices.
The court determined that Janneh suffered significant mental health consequences, including complex PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and had to terminate a pregnancy due to her mental health struggles.
The judge stated that Lousada's confidence in his abilities clouded his perception of reality, leading to violations of her rights.
After the judgment, Janneh expressed pride in her fight for justice and hope for other victims, despite feeling grief for the lost years and trauma.
Her solicitor described the case as a victory for her.
Lousada was seen leaving the court in a large hooded jacket following the proceedings.
