JP who raped girl, 10, jailed for seven years
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A MAGISTRATE who raped a 10-year-old girl was yesterday jailed for seven years. John Johnson, 46, of Billingham, Cleveland, was also found guilty of indecently assaulting her and another young girl. Sentencing him Mr Justice Wright said that he had 'betrayed the law he swore to uphold'.
Teesside Crown Court was told how Johnson abused the first girl for several years during the Seventies, culminating in rape. Nearly 15 years later he began abusing another girl. At the time he was a magistrate with six years experience on the juvenile panel.
Johnson, a former chairman of the Stockton North Constituency Labour Party, president of the local trades council and a union official, had denied the charges. He said the girls had made up the stories because they disliked him.
The court was told that the first victim, now in her 20s, did not tell anyone what was happening for fear she would not be believed. But 15 years later, when she heard Johnson had been arrested for similar offences, she went to the police. The other victim, now 12, gave evidence via a video link.
Johnson's crimes came to light when the second girl's father became suspicious and the magistrate was put under surveillance. Johnson resigned as a justice when he was arrested.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments