RICHARD JOHNSON CAUGHT IN DURSLEY AFTER CHILDREN'S STING OPERATION IN BERKELEY

In a startling case that highlights the dangers of predatory behavior and the importance of vigilant community members, Richard Johnson, a 65-year-old man from Dursley, was apprehended following a covert operation carried out by local children in Berkeley. The incident unfolded after Johnson was found to have engaged in inappropriate and criminal conduct towards a 12-year-old girl, an event that took place during a ballooning festival at Berkeley Football Club.

According to court proceedings, Johnson, who was serving as a steward at the festival, had previously molested the young girl the day before the confrontation. The children, who had become aware of Johnson’s suspicious behavior, devised a plan to catch him in the act. They hid nearby in a park, listening carefully as Johnson engaged in conversation with the girl. During their covert listening, the children overheard Johnson inviting the girl to return to the park that evening to meet him again.

Acting on this information, the children emerged from their hiding spot and confronted Johnson directly. Their intervention proved crucial, as police officers, alerted by the children’s report, arrived at the scene that very night. They found Johnson waiting in his car for the girl, exactly as the children had predicted. This timely police response led to his immediate arrest.

Further investigations revealed disturbing evidence at Johnson’s residence, located on The Croft in Cam, Dursley. Authorities discovered a VHS tape containing footage of an act of bestiality, adding to the charges against him. Johnson subsequently pleaded guilty in Gloucester Crown Court to sexually assaulting the girl on August 5 of that year and to possessing an indecent image involving bestiality.

During the court hearing, prosecutor Lisa Hennessy detailed the sequence of events. She explained that on August 10, the girl and her 10-year-old friend attended the balloon event. When the girl needed to use the toilet, she approached Johnson for directions. He took her to the pavilion, unlocked it, and then proceeded to touch her inappropriately before unlocking the door and allowing her to leave.

The following morning, the girl, with her friends hidden nearby, saw Johnson in the park and agreed to meet him later that evening. During their conversation, Johnson made sexual references, which prompted the other children to emerge from their hiding spots and confront him, having overheard the entire exchange. The police were promptly notified, and Johnson was arrested when he returned to the park that evening.

Judge Susan Evans sentenced Johnson to eight months in prison, emphasizing the severity of his actions despite his previously good character. She also ordered him to be placed on the sex offender register for ten years, banned him from working with children, and imposed a 15-year sexual offences prevention order. The judge condemned Johnson’s breach of trust as a steward at the event, describing his conduct as utterly unacceptable and deserving of punishment.