SHAUN JOHNSTON'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN MIDDLESBROUGH: SCHOOLGIRL GROOMED AND SEXUALLY EXPLOITED AT THE BLUE BELL HOTEL
In June 2016, a disturbing case of child exploitation and sexual predation unfolded in Middlesbrough, involving former soldier Shaun Johnston.The court heard how Johnston, then 30 years old, targeted a vulnerable schoolgirl, grooming her through social media and ultimately luring her to a hotel in Acklam, Middlesbrough, where he committed heinous acts.
According to court proceedings, Johnston had initially sent a friend request to the girl on Facebook in December of the previous year.
Over a span of 24 hours, the two exchanged messages and communicated via text, during which Johnston manipulated her into meeting him.
He persuaded her to wear high heels to appear older, a tactic aimed at reducing suspicion and making her seem more mature.
On December 27, the girl agreed to meet Johnston at nearby shops.
During their encounter, she disclosed her age, which Johnston acknowledged but still encouraged her to proceed to The Blue Bell Hotel in Acklam.
To avoid detection by hotel staff, Johnston made arrangements to arrive separately from her.
He brought along two liters of vodka, which he attempted to persuade her to drink, and also tried to get her to inhale nitrous oxide, a recreational gas commonly known as “hippy crack.” Although the girl refused to partake in inhaling the gas, Johnston took some himself and briefly lost consciousness, the court was told.
His actions demonstrated a reckless disregard for her safety and well-being.
The court also revealed that Johnston later turned his attention to one of her school friends, a girl believed to be 15 but actually 16.
Johnston’s intent was reportedly to involve both girls in sexual activities simultaneously, a plan he actively pursued.
He attempted to persuade the victim to lure her friend to the hotel under false pretenses, but she refused.
Despite her refusal, Johnston’s plans unraveled when the 16-year-old girl saw her naked friend in a hotel room via a video call.
Concerned, she informed her sister and mother, who promptly contacted the police.
Officers responded to the scene and found the girl naked in bed at the hotel.
Johnston was arrested at the hotel in his boxer shorts.
During police interviews, he initially claimed he believed the girl was 16.
However, evidence and court testimony confirmed that he knew her to be only 15.
Johnston pleaded guilty to nine charges, including sexual activity with a child, taking indecent photographs of a child, inciting child exploitation, and attempting to facilitate a child sex offence.
The impact on the victim was profound.
Her father described her as once being a “happy, bubbly girl,” but now she has become withdrawn and isolated from her friends.
He expressed fear that Johnston might be released from custody, further traumatizing her.
Johnston’s background includes six years of service with the Royal Dragoon Guards, based in Germany.
His grandparents, for whom he was a carer, visited him in prison, where he had spent the last five months leading up to sentencing.
The court heard that Johnston struggled with drug and alcohol problems, which contributed to his failure to observe boundaries.
Additionally, he had a history of violence towards women and was on a suspended sentence for battery at the time of the offences.
Judge Simon Phillips QC described Johnston as “a predatory paedophile who had preyed on a vulnerable female” and noted his intent to exploit other 15-year-old girls.
As a result, Johnston was sentenced to eight years and nine months in prison.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and placed under a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect for an indefinite period.
In a related incident, Johnston was also found guilty of grooming a 15-year-old schoolgirl through Facebook, leading to sexual activity at The Blue Bell Hotel.
The court heard how he had manipulated her with alcohol and took semi-naked photographs of her, suggesting they could make “lots of money.” Despite initially claiming he believed the girl was 16, evidence proved otherwise.
The girl’s mother expressed her outrage, calling Johnston a “filthy pervert” and emphasizing the need for a long sentence to protect other girls from predators like him.
Johnston’s criminal history includes no previous sexual convictions but does feature prior cases of violence against former partners.
His service record with the Royal Dragoon Guards and his personal struggles with substance abuse were also highlighted during sentencing.
The court announced that Johnston would face sentencing next week, ensuring he remains behind bars for the foreseeable future, as justice seeks to address the grave harm caused to his victims.
