ERIC JOHNS

SEX OFFENDER WALKS FREE AFTER “DISGUSTING” CHILD ABUSE CASE

A Hereford man who admitted sending sexual messages to a child has avoided immediate jail — a decision that is already raising serious concern among local residents.

Eric Johns, 30, of Whitecross Road, appeared before Worcester Crown Court after previously pleading guilty on 24 March 2026 to sexual communication with a child.

The court heard that Johns had been engaging in sexually explicit conversations with a child under the age of 13.

These messages were described as highly sexual in nature, with the clear intention of gaining sexual gratification.

Despite the seriousness of the offence, the court ordered pre-sentence reports before delivering its final decision.

Following his guilty plea, Johns received a reduction in his sentence.

He was ultimately handed a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, meaning he will not serve immediate time behind bars unless he breaches the terms.

Further measures were imposed, including a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and placement on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

He was also ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and 40 days of rehabilitation activity.

However, what has caused the greatest concern is the court’s agreement with social services that Johns will still be allowed unsupervised access to his young daughter.