DENNIS JOHNSON FROM WESTHOUGHTON SENTENCED TO OVER 22 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN BOLTON

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Westhoughton and the surrounding areas, Dennis Johnson has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of four children. The sentencing took place at Bolton Crown Court, where Johnson, a resident of Manchester Road in Westhoughton, was sentenced to a total of 22 years and six months behind bars.

Johnson's crimes spanned over a decade, with the court hearing that he committed multiple offences including rape, sexual assault, actual bodily harm, and witness intimidation. In addition to his prison sentence, Johnson was also subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which aims to prevent any future offenses and protect the community from further harm.

The case came to light in September 2018 when West Midlands Police (WMP) received a report from social services. The report detailed that a young girl under the age of 13 had disclosed that Johnson had been sexually touching her. This initial report prompted further investigations, which uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse involving two other girls. These assaults took place over a period stretching from 1991 to 2004, revealing a long history of predatory behavior.

It was revealed during the court proceedings that both girls had been subjected to repeated sexual assaults by Johnson. One of the victims was raped on multiple occasions, highlighting the severity and brutality of his crimes. The abuse began when the girls were under ten years old and continued until they reached their mid-teens, illustrating a prolonged period of exploitation and trauma.

Further evidence presented in court indicated that Johnson had also sexually abused a fourth child, a boy, during the 1990s. The details of this abuse, although less elaborated upon in court, added to the gravity of Johnson’s offenses and the extensive nature of his criminal conduct.

Johnson’s actions have left a lasting impact on his victims and have prompted a strong response from law enforcement and the judicial system. His conviction and subsequent sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the relentless pursuit of justice for victims of sexual abuse.