RICHARD JOHNSON'S FAILURE TO SIGN SEX OFFENDERS REGISTER IN WINSTANLEY LEADS TO FINE

In April 2016, Richard Johnson, a resident of Winstanley, found himself in legal trouble after failing to comply with the mandatory requirements of his sex offenders registration. Johnson appeared before Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court to face charges related to his neglect to sign the sex offenders register, a crucial part of his sentencing conditions following previous convictions.

Johnson, aged 33 and residing on Hollington Way in Winstanley, had previously been convicted in 2014 of two serious offences. These included intentionally exposing his genitals and engaging in threatening, abusive, or insulting behavior aimed at two women, with the intent to cause them to believe that immediate unlawful violence would be used against them. As part of his sentence, he was required to register as a sex offender and sign the register annually for a period of five years.

However, in December of the year he was required to renew his registration, Johnson failed to meet the deadline. It was only during a routine interview with a probation officer 18 days later that he realized he had missed his obligation to sign the register. The court was informed that Johnson had genuinely forgotten the date, which he claimed was a significant oversight on his part.

During the hearing, Johnson, who chose to represent himself, expressed remorse and explained that he had not intentionally neglected his duties. He told magistrates, “I do apologise, it has been a genuine oversight by me. It’s a date I didn’t think I would ever forget. I’m in a new relationship and I simply forgot.” He further added, “My heart sank when I realised (during the interview with probation officers) and I drove straight from the probation office to Wigan station to explain what had happened. I didn’t deliberately intend to miss the date and I have corrected this grave error.”

It was also revealed that Johnson had taken proactive steps to prevent such an oversight from happening again. He had recorded his next signing date on three separate calendars, demonstrating his awareness of the importance of compliance. Despite his efforts, the court found him guilty of failing to meet the registration requirement.

As a result, magistrates imposed a financial penalty on Johnson. He was ordered to pay a fine of £484, along with a £48 victim surcharge and prosecution costs amounting to £85. The case highlights the ongoing responsibilities and legal obligations faced by individuals with prior sex offenses, and the importance of adhering to court-mandated conditions to avoid further legal consequences.