SHOCKING CRIME: BARRY JOHNSON OF GRANTHAM AND SLEAFORD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Grantham and Sleaford, Barry Johnson, a man with a dark history of sexual offenses against young girls, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 11 years at Lincoln Crown Court. The court heard that Johnson, aged 50, who was formerly a resident of Grantham and is now living on St Giles Avenue in Sleaford, committed heinous acts against three young girls over a span of more than a decade.

Johnson’s criminal activities began in the late 1990s, when he targeted a young girl, and continued into recent years, with offenses committed against two other girls in the Grantham area. The total number of charges he admitted to included nine counts of sexual assault involving these three victims. The offences took place between November 1997 and July of the previous year, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior that persisted over many years.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Michael Heath addressed Johnson directly, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. He stated, “The sentence reflects your overall criminality. This was for your own sexual gratification. The effects of what you have done are incalculable.” The judge also acknowledged Johnson’s own admission of having a sexual interest in children and his recognition of the need for professional help. The court was informed that probation reports classified Johnson as a high risk of causing serious harm through future sexual offenses against young girls, leading the judge to declare him a dangerous individual.

As part of the court’s ruling, Johnson was subjected to a lifelong order prohibiting him from having unsupervised contact with any girl under the age of 16. Additionally, he was banned from working with children and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

The court revealed that one of Johnson’s victims was only seven years old at the time of the abuse, while the other two victims were aged nine and ten. Prosecutor Phil Howes recounted that Johnson initially denied the allegations, claiming he felt “sick to the stomach” and expressed disbelief. However, the victims’ statements painted a different picture, with one girl describing her feelings as “numb” and “sick,” and stating that she was unable to move on with her life after the abuse. Mr. Howes also noted that Johnson suggested the girls were lying, further complicating the case.

In mitigation, the court was informed that Johnson had no previous convictions and that he had now admitted guilt, which was considered during sentencing. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable children from predators like Barry Johnson, whose actions have left lasting scars on his victims and the community at large.