KENNETH JOHNSON FROM OSWESTRY AND WREXHAM SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Oswestry and Wrexham, Kenneth Clive Johnson, a 66-year-old resident of Albert Mews, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of multiple historic child sex offences. The conviction followed a trial at Mold Crown Court, where Johnson faced six charges of indecent assault involving two young girls from different decades.

One of the victims was just nine and ten years old when the abuse took place during the 1970s, while the second victim was between five and seven years old at the time of her assault in the 1990s. Johnson, a widower, vehemently denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings. However, the jury found him guilty of all charges after hearing evidence that spanned several years and decades.

Judge Niclas Parry presided over the case and delivered a stern judgment, highlighting Johnson’s troubling history. The judge pointed out that Johnson had previous convictions related to similar offences, indicating a disturbing pattern of behaviour. “You have been convicted previously of offences of sexual assault upon children as young as six,” Judge Parry stated, emphasizing that Johnson’s unhealthy interest in children appeared to have persisted over the years.

During the sentencing, Judge Parry expressed concern over the severity of Johnson’s actions, especially considering the fact that the victims were forced to relive their traumatic experiences during the court proceedings. The judge also condemned Johnson’s attempt to discredit the victims by making “scurrilous and unkind allegations,” claiming that they had conspired against him following the death of his wife.

While acknowledging Johnson’s age and health issues, the judge noted that the offences spanned from 12 to 30 years ago, and these factors were taken into account when determining the sentence. In addition to the prison term, Johnson was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure designed to protect the community from any future risk he might pose.

Johnson’s criminal history includes convictions from 1989 and 1994, which further underscored his pattern of predatory behaviour towards children when he was younger. The court’s findings paint a disturbing picture of a man with a long-standing tendency to exploit vulnerable young girls.

Oliver King, representing Johnson, stated that his client firmly denied the allegations, asserting that the accusations were false. Despite this, the court’s verdict and subsequent sentencing reflect the serious nature of the crimes committed and the community’s need for justice and protection.