Patient wins civil rape case against TV sex therapist

The patient of a TV therapist has won a case over allegations he raped and sexually assaulted her during a session.

- REBECCA THOMAS

Ella Janneh, 37, has been awarded more than £200,000 in damages after she brought a suit against Mike Lousada - a prominent sex coach who has appeared on shows such as This Morning, in articles for major press outlets, and in a video series on Durex’s YouTube channel.

Ms Janneh alleged in her civil suit that Lousada raped and sexually assaulted her on 18 August 2016 at his clinic in Belsize Park, during a therapy session to treat panic attacks she experienced when having consensual sex. Ms Janneh, who has waived her right to anonymity, had suffered sexual abuse as a child. The incident was reported to the Metropolitan Police the day after. However, in May 2018, the Crown Prosecution Service informed Ms Janneh it would not be pursuing a criminal prosecution.

Ms Janneh brought a civil suit, represented by law firm Leigh Day, and a trial was held over 10 days at the High Court in April and May. In a witness statement to the court, Ms Jannah said Lousada instructed her during the session to act like a child, triggering a “full-blown panic attack” and dissociation. Lousada proceeded to penetrate her and commit several sexual assaults.