CHIP SHOP OWNER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
A chip shop owner who carried out "despicable" sexual assaults in Nottinghamshire has been sentenced.Theo Tsiolas, owner of the Jolly Fryer in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, degraded and humiliated seven victims over a two-year period, a judge said.
The 42-year-old, of Rockcliffe Grange in Mansfield, admitted 10 counts of sexual assault days after a trial started in July.
He was handed an 18-month sentence, suspended for two years, after a hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday.
Tsiolas must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work, up to 30 days of rehabilitation, pay £500 compensation to each of his victims, and will be on the sex offenders register for 10 years.
The court heard that the offences took place over two years against victims who cannot be identified for legal reasons.
Prosecutor Dawn Pritchard reported that one female victim said the defendant was "fixated with bottoms", while another recounted that he would sing "inappropriate" sexual songs to her.
Another victim revealed he "frequently grabbed her buttocks", and another stated that when she told him to stop, it did not deter him.
Tsiolas was arrested and interviewed in September 2021 after one victim reported his behaviour to police.
Victim impact statements detailed feelings of shame and embarrassment.
The judge emphasized that Tsiolas’ behavior caused his victims to suffer egregiously and noted that he initially denied the offences, making false accusations against the victims, which added to their distress.
The defense argued that Tsiolas appears genuinely remorseful, citing plans to sell his shop and move away due to threats on social media.
Judge Auty KC described the conduct as “despicable” and highlighted the harm caused.
Det Con Gemma Ryback of Nottinghamshire Police commented on the unacceptable nature of Tsiolas’ behaviour and the impact on victims, paying tribute to their support throughout the case.
