RICHARD JOHNSON FROM LEAMINGTON AND PLYMOUTH JAILED FOR REPEATED CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES NEAR STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Richard Johnson, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, has once again found himself at the center of a serious criminal case involving the possession and distribution of indecent images of children. Currently residing in Bishopton, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Johnson's latest actions have raised significant concerns about his ongoing risk to the safety of minors in the community.

Johnson, aged 48, originally from Leamington and Plymouth, was recently living in a probation hostel in Plymouth, having moved there from the Midlands just weeks prior to his latest arrest. The hostel is located less than 300 metres from a local primary school, a nursery, a park, and a children’s community centre, highlighting the potential danger posed by his presence in such close proximity to vulnerable children.

In a court hearing at Plymouth Crown Court, Judge Simon Carr described Johnson’s conduct as highly troubling. Johnson was found to be in possession of indecent images of children shortly after his release from prison, which prompted immediate concern from the judiciary. The court heard that Johnson had breached a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) by failing to disclose electronic devices capable of storing such images during a police search.

Specifically, officers visited Johnson at the Plymouth hostel in November and inquired whether he possessed any electronic devices. Johnson claimed he did not, but during a subsequent search, police discovered two memory sticks concealed inside a glasses case within a bag. These devices contained indecent images, including both still photographs and moving images, some of which were classified as the most serious categories of abuse.

Johnson’s criminal record is extensive. He was previously sentenced to 36 months in prison at Warwick Crown Court in May 2013 for possession and distribution of indecent images. His prior convictions include charges related to indecency, both involving images and contact offenses. He was also jailed for over two years for sexual assault and for making indecent images of children. As part of his sentence, Johnson was placed under a lifelong sex offender registration requirement.

In the recent case, Johnson admitted to breaching the SOPO on December 3. Judge Carr emphasized the gravity of his actions, stating, “You represent a significant risk to children and you almost certainly will for the rest of your life.” The judge sentenced Johnson to 18 months in prison, underscoring the seriousness of the case and the ongoing threat he poses.

Further details reveal that Johnson’s collection of illegal images includes 964 still images and four moving clips, one of which lasts 12 minutes. These images were classified as level four and level five, the highest categories of abuse, indicating the extreme nature of the material he possessed. The judge described the images as “profoundly disturbing and deeply repellent,” highlighting the severity of the offense.

During the proceedings, Johnson’s defense argued that he had found employment, a partner, and had managed to establish some stability after his previous release from prison. However, the prosecution pointed out that his continued possession and sharing of such material demonstrated a pattern of behavior rooted in self-loathing and a profound disregard for the harm inflicted on children.

Judge Alan Parker, presiding over Johnson’s earlier case in May 2013, had also condemned his actions, noting the “revolting and disturbing” nature of the images. He emphasized that Johnson’s claims of self-harm and self-abuse were no justification for his conduct, which involved participating in and facilitating the sexual exploitation of children through the downloading and sharing of illegal images.

Johnson’s repeated offenses and the proximity of his current residence to places frequented by children have raised alarm among community members and authorities alike. His case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in monitoring and managing individuals with a history of sexual offenses, especially those who continue to pose a threat to public safety.