PAUL JOHNSON FROM MADLEY SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN WORCESTER

In April 2019, a man named Paul Johnson from Madley, Herefordshire, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of serious historic sexual offences involving two young girls. The case, which was heard at Worcester Crown Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned several years and involved manipulation, threats, and emotional blackmail.

Johnson, aged 56 at the time of sentencing, was found guilty on multiple counts, including rape, nine counts of indecent assault, and one count of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13. The jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict on Wednesday, confirming the severity of his crimes. The abuse was committed when Johnson was between 15 and 19 years old, targeting a girl aged between six and ten. The second victim, who was between 11 or 12 and her late teens at the time of her abuse, came forward with her account during the trial.

Prosecutor Caroline Harris presented personal statements from the victims, shedding light on the profound and lasting impact of Johnson’s actions. One victim described suffering from nightmares, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and panic attacks, revealing the deep psychological scars left by the abuse. She expressed feelings of dirtiness, low self-esteem, and a sense that she would never be free from the trauma inflicted upon her.

The second victim recounted how Johnson repeatedly told her that no one would believe her, that their secret had to be kept, and that if she ever told anyone, she would face dire consequences. She described the experience as ‘horrible,’ stating that she felt she had lost her childhood and recognized Johnson’s threats of self-harm as a form of emotional blackmail. She also expressed anger that Johnson had a wife, feeling he did not deserve her.

During the sentencing, Judge Nicolas Cartwright described Johnson’s conduct as ‘entirely selfish,’ emphasizing his controlling and manipulative behavior. The judge pointed out that Johnson was fully aware that his actions were wrong. Addressing the first victim, the judge acknowledged her feelings of guilt upon discovering Johnson’s continued abuse of a second girl, clarifying that she had no rational reason to blame herself and that the blame solely rested with Johnson.

Judge Cartwright highlighted the lifelong scars Johnson had left on his victims, stating that he had stolen their childhoods. He condemned Johnson’s actions as morally reprehensible and noted that his behavior was of particular concern, warranting a substantial custodial sentence. Johnson was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with an additional two-year license period, meaning he must serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for parole. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of his crimes and the lasting harm inflicted upon his victims.