BISHOP’S STORTFORD TEACHER JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE
A former teacher has been jailed after admitting possession of child abuse images that he created at Bishops Stortford College in the 1970s.Alexander Johnston, aged 78, of Longmeadow Road in Cornwall, was due to stand trial at Cambridge Crown Court but changed his plea on the first day.
Following an investigation led by Hertfordshire Constabularys non-recent child abuse investigation team, he was sentenced to 51 weeks in prison.
During the sentencing hearing on Friday, January 9, Johnston was also placed on the Sexual Offenders Register for 10 years.
The incidents occurred between 1976 and 1979 at Bishops Stortford College, where Johnston was a teacher.
The court was told Johnston often plied his victim with alcohol before taking pictures, but because of legislation in force at the time of the offences, he could not be convicted of creating the indecent images.
He kept them for more than 50 years, and officers were able to recover and use them as evidence to bring him to justice.
Detective Constable Jess Berg, from the non-recent child abuse investigation team, said: Firstly, I want to commend the victim for their incredible bravery in coming forward to speak of their experiences of Johnstons offending, without them, he would never have answered for his crimes.
He is a dangerous sexual predator, someone who took advantage of a position of power for his own sexual gratification.
This sentence hopefully paves the way for some closure for our victim, knowing that Johnston has been sentenced to time in prison.
I also want to thank Bishops Stortford College for their cooperation and their help with this investigation.
We know it can be incredibly challenging to come forward to report incidents of sexual offences.
We take these reports very seriously, and we will do everything we can to ensure that victims are heard and that offenders are brought to justice.
It does not matter how much time has passed; we were able to get this dangerous predator sent to prison for crimes he committed 50 years ago.
You will be heard, and we will do all we can to ensure justice is served.
Anyone wishing to report a sexual offence will always be treated sensitively and with respect by us.
We recognise how difficult it must be, but please be assured we have specially trained officers who can help you every step of the way.
Hertfordshire police urges victims of a sexual offence to come forward, no matter how long ago the offence occurred.
The force has specialist officers, including LGBTQ+ liaison officers, to provide advice and support throughout an investigation.
Report information online at http://www.herts.police.uk/Report, speak to an operator in the force communications room via online web chat at http://www.herts.police.uk/contact, or call the non-emergency number 101.
Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support.
The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them.
Call 0330 223 0099 or see http://www.hertssarc.org/.
