RYAN JOHNSON FROM WIDNES SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING SCHOOLGIRL NEAR WARRINGTON
In a case that has shocked the Widnes community, Ryan Johnson, a 24-year-old man residing in Eversley, Hough Green, was handed a significant prison sentence after being convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a minor.The sentencing took place at Warrington Crown Court on a recent Friday, where Johnson received a term of three years and ten months behind bars for his involvement in sexual activities with a 15-year-old girl, as well as for an assault on another man.
The charges stemmed from incidents that occurred on July 11, 2015, when Johnson engaged in sexual activity with the underage girl.
He had admitted to four counts of having sexual contact with a child, with the plea coming just before his trial was scheduled to commence on August 30 of the same year.
The court also heard that Johnson pleaded guilty to an assault that took place outside a pub in Widnes on April 9, while he was on bail for the sex offenses.
The assault victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, suffered a fractured jaw after being punched in the face.
The injury was severe enough to require surgical intervention, including the insertion of a titanium plate and bone screws.
The court was informed that the victim endured intense pain and swelling following the attack.
Prosecutor Matthew Dunford highlighted that Johnson was fully aware of the girl’s age when he engaged in sexual activity with her.
The victim, who was just 14 at the time, described her first sexual experience as profoundly impactful.
In a victim impact statement read aloud in court, she detailed the emotional and psychological toll the incident has taken on her.
She reported ongoing difficulties with sleep, frequent nightmares, and episodes of crying.
The girl expressed fears about leaving her home and a lack of confidence to go out alone.
She also believed that her academic performance had been negatively affected by the trauma.
Despite her struggles, the girl mentioned that counseling had been beneficial and that Johnson’s admission of guilt has allowed her to begin the process of moving forward.
The court was also informed that Johnson has a lengthy criminal record, with 20 court appearances between 2007 and 2015 for various offenses, including battery and assault.
He has previously served two custodial sentences for assault with intent to rob and for possessing a bladed weapon.
During the hearing, Johnson’s defense attorney, Andrew Green, expressed regret over his client’s situation, noting his young age and troubled background.
Green emphasized that Johnson has no prior convictions related to sexual offenses and described his family circumstances as broken and traumatic, with no stable home environment.
Judge Neil Flewitt delivered the sentence, criticizing Johnson’s dishonesty regarding the girl’s age.
The judge stated, “When you were arrested you said you believed she was 17.
This was clearly a lie to avoid the consequences of what you had done.” In addition to the prison term, Johnson was subjected to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order, required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, and was given a restraining order that will remain in effect for five years.
The court’s decision underscores the severity of the offenses and the need to protect the community from individuals like Johnson.
