A woman has accused a sex therapist of raping her during a £750 session, where he claimed his penis was like a laser beam, and has been awarded more than £200,000 in damages.

Ella Janneh sued Michael Lousada over allegations of rape and sexual assault at his clinic in Belsize Park, London, on August 18, 2016.

Legal Proceedings and Allegations

Lawyers for Ella Janneh, 37, who has waived her right to anonymity, argued in a civil trial in London that she suffered a panic attack during the session and did not consent to the sexual acts. Michael Lousada, 57, who has appeared on the TV show “This Morning,” denied the allegations, stating the sexual activity was consensual and part of legitimate therapeutic practice.

Civil vs. Criminal Cases

Ms. Janneh pursued a civil claim for personal injury and negligence after the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to press criminal charges in 2018. Criminal cases require proof beyond reasonable doubt, whereas civil cases are decided on the balance of probabilities.

Court’s Judgment

In his judgment, Mr. Justice Jeremy Baker stated that Mr. Lousada’s instructions for Ms. Janneh to regress into her childhood persona caused her to become dissociative. When Mr. Lousada suggested using his penis to absorb trauma, Ms. Janneh lacked the capacity to consent, establishing grounds for battery. The judge awarded her at least £217,000 in damages.

Ms. Janneh’s Statement

Following the ruling, Ms. Janneh expressed her dedication to other victims who were dismissed by authorities and caregivers. She hopes her case encourages others to speak their truth and continue fighting for justice.

History of Sessions

The trial revealed that Ms. Janneh first visited Mr. Lousada in 2011 and again in 2012 due to panic symptoms during consensual sex, believed to stem from childhood abuse. No sexual activity occurred during those sessions. In 2016, she returned for a £750 “body work” session, which she believed to be akin to physiotherapy and talking therapy.

Court Testimonies

Ms. Janneh testified that she never requested penetration during the session. She claimed Mr. Lousada told her his penis could “burn up trauma” and should be used to absorb it. She suffered a panic attack and was incapable of giving valid consent.

Mr. Lousada’s Defense

Mr. Lousada admitted to the penetration but insisted he received clear verbal consent. He claimed Ms. Janneh reported feeling dark energy being released and appeared lucid throughout the session. He noted in his records that she left feeling empowered and optimistic.

The Judge’s Findings

Mr. Justice Jeremy Baker concluded that Ms. Janneh suffered a dissociative panic attack and entirely lacked the capacity to consent. He found that Mr. Lousada ignored obvious symptoms, motivated by his belief in his own healing abilities.

Impact on Mr. Lousada’s Perception

The judge noted that Mr. Lousada’s confidence in his abilities clouded his perception of reality, affecting his actions and recollections during and after the sessions. This overconfidence influenced his written notes, police interviews, and testimony in court.

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