A judge has expressed concern over the continued employment of a chef at a Christchurch restaurant who was found guilty of sexually harassing young female employees.
Sumeer Thapa was sentenced to four months’ home detention after being convicted of seven counts of indecently assaulting four women aged between 15 and 18. The incidents occurred between 2021 and 2024 while the women were working at Lazeez Mediterranean Grill.
During sentencing, Judge Deidre Orchard highlighted the impact of Thapa’s behavior on the victims, who were left feeling uncomfortable and anxious at work. Thapa’s inappropriate comments and physical advances towards the women were deemed unacceptable by the court.
Despite the Crown seeking a starting point of 18 months’ imprisonment, Judge Orchard opted for a 12-month starting point. Thapa was also ordered to make emotional harm payments of $1000 to each victim.
The judge emphasized the need for Thapa to adjust his behavior and acknowledged that his employer, who provided a testimonial to the court, needed a “wake-up call.” Thapa’s name and the restaurant where he works were to be published to alert potential future employees.
Ultimately, Thapa was sentenced to four months of community detention with a curfew due to his work hours. Judge Orchard hoped that this experience would serve as a lesson for Thapa to conduct himself appropriately in the workplace.
Thapa will not be added to the sex offenders’ register.
