GERALD JOHNSON FROME AND WARMINSTER PAEDOPHILE JAILED FOR INDECENCY OFFENSES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Frome and Warminster, Gerald Johnson, a 55-year-old man, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of multiple indecency charges involving a young girl. The offences came to light in January when Johnson, who was employed at an abattoir in Frome, displayed a video on his mobile phone to a female colleague, inadvertently revealing the disturbing content.

According to court reports, the video depicted a 12-year-old girl dressed in a nightie, kneeling on a bed. The footage was taken during a period of ongoing abuse by Johnson, who had secretly recorded the girl, the daughter of a close friend residing in Warminster. The revelation of this video shocked the colleague, who immediately contacted the police upon seeing the images. Her reaction prompted a police investigation that uncovered further disturbing evidence.

Prosecutor Lynne Matthews explained that Johnson’s actions were not isolated. When questioned by authorities, Johnson initially claimed that the video was created 'for a laugh' and refused to identify the girl in the footage, stating he needed to consult her parents. However, under further questioning, he provided a name and address, which led police to the girl’s parents. During their investigation, the parents disclosed that they had found a photograph of a man’s genitals in their daughter’s room, which they confiscated. The girl was subsequently interviewed and revealed that Johnson had given her the explicit photograph, which she had hidden, believing she had lost it before her parents discovered it.

Further details emerged during police interviews, revealing that Johnson had a pattern of inappropriate behavior. The girl reported that Johnson often insisted she touch him or allow him to touch her, and that he would only play with her under these conditions. When confronted with the allegations, Johnson initially denied the accusations but later admitted to eight counts of indecency, one count of making an indecent image, and one count of showing the video to his colleague.

During the trial at Swindon Crown Court, the court heard the full extent of Johnson’s misconduct. His defense argued that the case was unusual because the colleague, who also played darts with Johnson, had not accidentally seen the video but had been shown it deliberately by him. The defense described Johnson as a single man living with his father, acting immaturely, akin to an adolescent boy showing a 'mucky picture' to a friend behind the bike sheds.

Judge Tom Longbotham addressed the seriousness of the case, emphasizing the concern it raised about the safety of children and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior. As a result, he imposed a comprehensive set of restrictions on Johnson. These included a lifelong order banning him from being alone with children, a two-year extension of his license, a ban from working with children, and mandatory registration as a sex offender for life. The judge’s ruling underscores the gravity of Johnson’s actions and the ongoing need for vigilance in safeguarding children from sexual exploitation.