GEORGE JOHNS FROM DONNINGTON, TELFORD, JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST TEENAGE BOYS IN TELFORD

In a case that has shocked the local community, Geoffrey Johns, a 70-year-old resident of Wrekin Drive, Donnington, Telford, has been sentenced to a prison term of three years and nine months after admitting to multiple serious sexual offences involving two teenage boys. The incidents took place over a span of several years, with Johns meeting the victims during his employment as a security guard at the Telford Job Centre.

According to court proceedings held at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Johns faced charges that included sexual assault, five counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, and two counts of inciting or causing a child to participate in sexual acts. The court heard that Johns’s offending behavior was uncovered after one of the victims, who was 16 at the time, disclosed the abuse while at a police station for an unrelated matter. The victim expressed remorse for Johns’s actions, which had evidently left a lasting impact.

The second victim, aged 15 during the period of the offences, was assaulted by Johns between August 2006 and August 2007. The court was informed that Johns initially responded to police inquiries with silence during his first interview, and in a subsequent interview, he denied the allegations made by the first victim, claiming they were false.

Judge Mark Eades, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the disturbing nature of Johns’s conduct. He remarked, “It is clear for some time you suffered from deviant sexual tendencies. But the picture painted by your counsel is you have been able to control those urges and restrain yourself.” The judge further noted that the offending behavior had come to light in 2004, marking the beginning of a pattern of abuse.

As part of his sentence, Johns will serve half of his prison term before being released on licence. Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community. The case has raised concerns among residents of Donnington and Telford, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior.