A 'dangerous and predictable' chip shop owner from Derby has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for sexually assaulting three teenage girls and two women. Stavros Theodoulou, 59, who ran Steves@Etwall chippy for nearly a decade, was convicted at Derby Crown Court after making sexual remarks and repeatedly touching his victims, all of whom were known to him.
The offences came to light when one victim reported the abuse in 2023, prompting others to come forward with similar accounts. In a victim impact statement read to the court, one woman described the 'ongoing trauma' that had 'deeply impacted my ability to go about my life normally.' She added: 'A man like Theodoulou is dangerous and predictable working in society. I hope once and for all people will know exactly who he is.'
Theodoulou, formerly of Girton Way and now of Hilcote Lane, Alfreton, was arrested and charged with five counts of sexual assault, as well as three counts of possessing a firearm without a certificate after officers discovered weapons at his home. He pleaded guilty to all charges and was jailed by Judge Shaun Smith, who also imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Theodoulou announced the closure of Steves@Etwall at the end of 2024, posting on Facebook: 'After nearly 10 years of serving this wonderful community, we are sad to announce that we will be stepping away from the fish and chip shop.' Regulars responded with messages of support, unaware of his crimes at the time.
Detective Constable Leonie Hitchmough, who led the investigation, praised the victims for their bravery: 'I have no doubt that he would have continued to offend had he not been brought to justice. I am incredibly grateful to all those who came forward to report him.'
