PETER JOHNSTON FROM RHYL SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN DENBIGHSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community of Rhyl and the wider Denbighshire area, Peter Johnston, a 70-year-old man from East Parade in Rhyl, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of serious child sex offences. The court heard that Johnston, who had previously served time for related charges, was found guilty of 11 separate offences committed against a young boy during his early teenage years.

According to court records, the victim, now in his twenties, came forward after reading a newspaper report about Johnston's earlier imprisonment. The victim revealed that he had been sexually abused by Johnston when he was between the ages of 11 and 14. The abuse reportedly took place over a period of several years, during which Johnston would often buy the young boy sweets and take him in his car to secluded locations where the offences occurred.

Prosecutor Elen Owen detailed the disturbing nature of the offences, emphasizing the manipulative tactics Johnston used to gain the trust of his young victim. She explained that the defendant's actions had left the victim feeling deeply embarrassed, ashamed, and traumatized. The court was also informed that Johnston had previously been sentenced in April 2016 to nine years in prison for similar offences, highlighting a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.

During the sentencing hearing at Mold Crown Court, Johnston admitted to all 11 charges brought against him. The court sentenced him to an additional five years and four months behind bars, to be served concurrently with his existing sentence. This means Johnston will spend a significant portion of his remaining life incarcerated for his crimes.

In addition to his prison sentence, Johnston was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities following his release. An indefinite sexual harm prevention order was also imposed, further restricting his ability to contact minors or engage in activities that could pose a risk to children.

Defence lawyer Owen Edwards argued that Johnston, who has been married for many years and has children, is a man liked by many in his community. He expressed the hope that Johnston would reflect on his actions and suggested that he might not survive his current sentence, implying that Johnston's future remains uncertain. However, the court's primary concern was the protection of the community and the punishment fitting the severity of the offences committed in Rhyl and Denbighshire.