ROGER YOUNGJOHNS FROM HAYLING ISLAND AND HECKINGTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULTS AFTER 30 YEARS

In a significant development in a long-standing case, Roger Youngjohns, a man with ties to Hayling Island and Heckington, has been convicted and sentenced for a serious sexual assault that occurred over three decades ago. The incident involved a 14-year-old girl and took place in 1982, during a period when Youngjohns was operating a newsagents shop on Hayling Island.

It was only recently that justice was finally served, thanks to the victim's courage in coming forward after many years of silence. The woman, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, expressed a sense of relief and a desire to move forward with her life. She stated, “I feel that justice has been done now. I’m hoping to start my life again. I’m hoping to finally be able to move on but I realize it’s going to be a long hard road.”

Youngjohns, who is now 66 years old, was brought before Lincoln Crown Court to face charges related to the assault. The case revealed that he had previously served in the navy for ten years before taking over the Sandy Point newsagents located on Creek Road, Hayling Island, from 1977 until 1983. After his tenure there, he and his family moved around the country, managing various newsagents.

During the trial, Youngjohns, a grandfather residing on Cameron Street in Heckington, denied two counts of indecent assault on a child under 16, with the alleged offenses occurring between July 1981 and July 1982. The court found him not guilty of one count but convicted him of the other. As part of his sentence, he was given a prison term of 15 months and was also disqualified from working with children for the rest of his life.

The case highlights the importance of perseverance in seeking justice, even after many years have passed. The victim’s bravery in coming forward has ultimately led to Youngjohns being held accountable for his actions, bringing a measure of closure to a painful chapter in her life.