The former owner of a Stratford-upon-Avon restaurant has been convicted of sexually abusing a vulnerable 15-year-old girl who worked for him. Mida Zouhou, 79, the former owner of the Mida Mediterranean Coffee House and Restaurant, was found guilty at Warwick Crown Court of penetrative sexual activity with a child following a trial.
The offence took place at the restaurant in 2019, when the victim, who was then 15 years old, was employed there. Zouhou stood trial on 12 charges.
Jurors convicted him on one count of penetrative sexual activity with a child, but acquitted him of the remaining 11 charges, including rape.
Suspended prison sentence
The court sentenced Zouhou to three years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. In addition to the suspended sentence, he was made subject to:
- A curfew with electronic monitoring.
- A Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
- Registration on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
- A requirement to complete the Building Better Relationships Programme.
Victim describes lasting trauma
In a victim personal statement, the woman, now aged 22, spoke of the long-term psychological impact the abuse has had on her life. She described suffering persistent flashbacks, feelings of guilt and shame, and difficulties feeling safe years after the abuse.
Following sentencing, she said she believed the punishment imposed by the court was “far too lenient.” The court heard that the abuse occurred while Zouhou was the victim’s employer at the Stratford-upon-Avon restaurant. The case has now concluded, with Zouhou convicted of the single offence for which he was found guilty and acquitted of the remaining charges.
