Woman wins £200,000 in civil rape case against therapist Michael Lousada in London. Ella Janneh accused him of sexual assault during a therapy session, despite the CPS not pressing charges. The High Court ruled in her favor, emphasizing her lack of consent and the distressing nature of the incident.
In a landmark civil case, Ella Janneh has been awarded more than £200,000 in damages after winning a civil case against therapist Michael Lousada, whom she accused of rape during a therapy session in Belsize Park, London, in 2016.
The High Court ruled in favor of Ms. Janneh, who bravely waived her anonymity, despite the Crown Prosecution Service's earlier decision not to pursue criminal charges. During the trial, Ms. Janneh recounted that Mr. Lousada claimed his actions were therapeutic, describing his penis as a "laser beam" to "burn up trauma." The court found her evidence compelling, emphasizing her lack of consent and the distressing nature of the incident.
Reflecting on her eight-year legal battle, Ms. Janneh expressed relief at achieving accountability against Mr. Lousada, criticizing the police and CPS for their handling of her case. She hopes that her public disclosure will empower other victims to speak out and seek justice.
The case underscores ongoing challenges in prosecuting sexual assault cases and highlights the importance of survivor advocacy and legal reforms to support victims.
