RAYMOND JOHNSON'S HORRIFIC SEX OFFENCES IN ROCHESTER LEAD TO PRISON SENTENCE

In March 2018, a disturbing case of sexual assault involving Raymond Johnson, a man from Rochester, came to light, resulting in his imprisonment for heinous crimes committed against young girls. Johnson, who was 60 years old at the time, was convicted of multiple sexual offences that spanned several decades, highlighting a long history of predatory behavior.

Johnson was found guilty of abusing a nine-year-old girl, during which he falsely claimed to be giving her a sex education lesson. The court heard that he inappropriately touched her over and under her bra and knickers, actions that left the young victim deeply traumatized. She later recounted to police how she froze in fear during the assault, and Johnson had warned her not to tell anyone about what had happened. Despite her initial silence, the girl was eventually able to report the abuse to authorities, revealing the extent of Johnson’s depravity.

Further investigations uncovered that Johnson had also assaulted another young girl, aged 11, many years earlier. This second victim described how Johnson had placed his hand up her skirt, rubbed her thigh, and pulled at her elasticated underwear while she was sitting on his lap. The prosecutor, Nina Ellin, detailed the victim’s reaction, stating that she squirmed and moved away in shock, overwhelmed by the experience. The girl was left in a state of distress, unsure of how to process what had occurred but knowing instinctively that it was wrong.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Johnson’s abuse was not an isolated incident. The court heard that he had engaged in these acts under the guise of providing a sex education lesson, but instead committed vile and sickening assaults. The court described his actions as deeply damaging, especially considering the vulnerability of the young victims involved.

Johnson was arrested in July 2016, during which he denied all allegations, claiming he had not touched the girls at all. However, evidence and testimonies led to his guilty plea on two counts of indecent assault. The court, presided over by Judge Jeremy Carey at Maidstone Crown Court, sentenced Johnson to three and a half years in prison. The judge emphasized the severity of his crimes, noting the significant and lasting impact on the victims. He condemned Johnson’s actions as not merely inappropriate but as a sickening assault on defenseless children.

Upon his release, Johnson will be required to register as a sex offender indefinitely and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the devastating consequences of sexual abuse by those entrusted with their care.