KEVIN JOHNSON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF LEICESTER TEENAGER
A man involved in grooming and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in Leicester is now behind bars.Kevin Johnson was caught on camera molesting the teenager on a park bench after being observed by a concerned member of the public.
The witness recorded the incident, confronted Johnson, and detained him until police arrived.
The 47-year-old, residing at Kate Street, Black Friars, Leicester, had reportedly groomed the girl by complimenting her, giving her money and sweets, before initiating sexual activity.
Following his arrest, the victim disclosed that she had also engaged in sexual activity with Johnson outside of the incident in the park.
The girl, who has since moved away, provided a victim impact statement revealing that she suffers from nightmares and struggles to trust others due to Johnson’s abuse.
She stated, "I now have to remind myself what he did was wrong—how will I know how to love and what is right for me?
I’m strong and capable and so much more than my past." Johnson admitted to two counts of sexual activity with a child last year, but failed to attend his sentencing hearing on September 24, leading to his arrest on a warrant and his detention.
Prosecutor Philip Gibbs told Leicester Crown Court, "This involved grooming and there was a large disparity in age." He added that the witness, who saw Johnson touching the girl in the park, was so concerned they began recording the incident.
The witness then confronted Johnson and asked about their ages, prompting the girl to falsely claim she was 17 and become distressed when police arrived, expressing love for Johnson.
Defense lawyer Paul Prior stated that Johnson had no prior similar offenses and that his guilty plea spared the victim from testifying again, allowing her to move on.
Johnson was sentenced to three years and five months in prison.
He was also placed on the sex offender register for life, subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, and issued an indefinite restraining order preventing any contact with the victim.
Detective Sergeant Rob Buckley, who led the investigation, commented, “Johnson quite clearly exploited this young girl’s age and vulnerabilities to encourage her to engage in sexual activity with him.
I would like to thank the member of the public for their keen eye and public spirit, which led to officers quickly attending, arresting the suspect, and safeguarding the child.
Without their support, this predatory offender could have continued exploiting the victim and possibly other young girls.
Their actions that day ultimately led to Johnson facing justice and a significant prison sentence.”
