The former boss of a once-popular Italian restaurant has been found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault, and sexual activity with under age girls.
Antonio Seminara, who used to run Mamma Mia in Padiham, was found guilty of 10 sexual offences following a trial at Preston Crown Court, which concluded last week.
On Friday, the jury found Seminara, whose popular Italian restaurant closed in 2019 after almost 30 years in business, guilty of two counts of non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl under the age of 15; six counts of penetrative sexual activity with a girl under the age of 15; and two counts of sexual assault on a female.
The offences are believed to have taken place between 2013 and 2014, and also in 2015.
Seminara was found not guilty of two other counts of sexual assault.
The 64-year-old, of Whittaker Close, Burnley, was remanded into custody and will be sentenced on June 19.
Mamma Mia, at Crossways in Whalley Road, closed in 2019 after 27 years serving the community in Padiham.
In 2021, Antonio Vetrano took over the building and opened a new restaurant called Vetrano.
Mr Vetrano's business is completely separate to Seminara's.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here