'DANGEROUS' CHIP SHOP OWNER STAVROS THEODOULOU JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE
A "dangerous and predictable" chip shop owner has been jailed for sexually assaulting three teenage girls and two women.Stavros Theodoulou, who ran the popular Steves@Etwall chippy in Derby for almost a decade, made sexual remarks to his victims, who were all known to him, and touched them repeatedly, Derby Crown Court heard.
His sick crimes surfaced after one of the victims reported the abuse in 2023.
A number of other people then reported similar experiences with Theodoulou.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, one victim said she was left with "ongoing trauma" that has "deeply impacted my ability to go about my life normally." She said: "It has made me wonder how many other women have been subjected to his abuse like I was and how long it has been going on for.
"Because of what I have been through I also find I have struggled to make friendships at work and in my personal life.
This is not a true reflection of the real me.
I find myself having flashbacks of the assaults and it has deeply impacted my ability to go about my life normally.
The whole situation impacted me mentally and emotionally and I feel I will be affected by this for a long time." "A man like Theodoulou is dangerous and unpredictable working in society.
I hope once and for all people will know exactly who he is so that people are protected from him in future and that no one else ever falls victim to him.
I wouldn't wish what I went through upon anyone.
It pains me every day and I have to live with the ongoing trauma he has caused me." He pleaded guilty to all of the charges and was jailed for two-and-a-half years by Judge Shaun Smith.
He was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Theodoulou announced he was closing Steves@Etwall at the end of 2024.
On the restaurant's Facebook page, he wrote: "After nearly 10 years of serving this wonderful community, we are sad to announce that we will be stepping away from the fish and chip shop.
It has been an absolute pleasure to serve you all, and we are incredibly grateful for your loyalty and support over the years.
While this chapter is coming to an end, we will cherish the memories and the friendships we've made along the way.
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your meals, celebrations, and everyday moments." Detective Constable Leonie Hitchmough, who led the investigation, said: "I'd like to commend these women for their bravery in coming forward and reporting these offences by Theodoulou.
His actions have understandably had a major impact on them all and will continue to do so for some time to come."
