JUSTICE SERVED AS BRIDGWATER PAEDOPHILE KEVIN JOHNS IS SENTENCED

In June 2014, justice was served in Bridgwater as Kevin Michael Johns, of Penlea Avenue, was sentenced to six years in prison after admitting to multiple serious sexual offenses. Johns, aged 48 at the time, appeared at Taunton Crown Court on June 6 and pleaded guilty to a total of 23 counts, including ten counts of gross indecency with a child, 11 counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14, and two counts of inciting a child to commit an act of gross indecency.

Most of the charges stemmed from incidents in the 1980s involving two separate victims, both boys whose identities are protected for legal reasons. One victim, speaking after sentencing, expressed relief: “I hope this conviction will give other people who have had a similar experience the courage to come forward. We were hoping he would get longer, but we do feel justice has been done.”

A family member shared their feelings, stating, “We feel relief. I love my boys so much and they are happy with what he got. It’s really good news. We couldn’t have asked for any better.”

The abuse began when the victims were just five and six years old, respectively, and involved Johns touching them sexually while they were alone with him in Bridgwater. In one case, Johns even told one of the boys that his actions were a “treat” and instructed him not to tell anyone. One victim recounted an incident where Johns touched him while others were present, concealing his actions under a tray filled with toys.

The abuse only stopped when one of the boys stopped contact and the other kicked Johns away as he attempted to touch him again. Both victims reported living with ongoing feelings of shame and embarrassment. One described experiencing night terrors and calling out “don’t touch me” in his sleep, while the other has struggled with depression and flashbacks.

Johns was initially reported after the victims came forward in 2013. Police arrested him on August 12, 2013. During questioning, Johns claimed he “couldn’t remember” some of the offenses. His defense attorney, Rebecca Bradbury, explained that Johns did not want the victims to go through the trauma of a trial and chose to plead guilty instead. She emphasized his remorse and desire to seek help, stating, “He wants future help. His life has slowly been falling apart. He is extremely sorry for what has happened.”

Judge David Ticehurst, who sentenced Johns, noted Johns’ prior conviction for indecent assault on a boy under 14 in 1984. Addressing Johns directly, the judge remarked, “It is difficult to imagine the effect these offences have had upon them. You blighted their childhood.”

In addition to his prison term, Johns will be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life and will be subject to a Sex Offenders’ Prevention Order, with specific conditions to be finalized within 14 days.