Child sexual abuse survivor brings civil legal claim against sex therapist for alleged sexual assault and rape

Ella Janneh, aged 37, who has waived her right to anonymity, is bringing claims for assault, including rape, and negligence against Michael Lousada and Anteros Books Ltd, a company where Mr Lousada was a director. 

Ella has filed her claim at the High Court and a civil trial is due to begin on Friday 19 April, 2024, for six days. 

Ella claims that on 18 August 2016, Michael Lousada sexually assaulted and raped her at his clinic in Belsize Park, London NW3, by digital and penile penetration. Her case also argues that the assault was a negligent breach of the duty of care owed to her by a therapist.

Mr Lousada claims Ella consented to the sexual activity. In documents filed at the High Court he states that the use of penile and digital penetration was a reasonable treatment method for Ella’s presenting problem.  He says the claim should have been filed sooner and is now out of date. 

The alleged assault was reported promptly to the Metropolitan Police. In May 2018, the Crown Prosecution Service informed Ella it would not be pursuing a criminal prosecution. 

Ella Janneh is represented in her civil claim by Leigh Day abuse team solicitor Catriona Rubens and counsel Nina Ross of 12 Kings Bench Walk. 

The claim is brought in the civil court, for damages for assault and negligence. The civil legal test for rape is based on whether or not the Claimant consented in fact to penetration of her vagina (on the civil standard of proof). This differs from the criminal legal test for rape, which also requires the prosecution to prove that the Defendant did not reasonably believe that the victim was consenting (on the criminal standard of proof).