A 67-year-old man in Norwich was sentenced to life for coercing a woman into sex with up to 1,000 men over 30 years, filming the abuse
Rodney Johnston Sentenced for Long-Term Abuse
A man forced a woman to have sex with up to 1,000 men in secluded locations while filming the abuse.
Rodney Johnston, 67, threatened the victim into performing these acts and forced her to “go out” several times a week.
Norwich Crown Court heard the woman was coerced into sex with many men. Prosecutors believe the true number could be as high as 1,000.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Rodney Johnston |
| Age | 67 |
| Location of Court | Norwich Crown Court |
| Years of Abuse | 30 years |
| Minimum Sentence | 16 years |
| Images Found | 30,000 |
| Charges | Multiple offences including procuring a woman by threats |
Johnston has been jailed for life with a minimum of 16 years after being found guilty of multiple offences from 1994 to 2024.
During sentencing, Judge Alice Robinson stated, “This is rape in all but name.”
The court heard Johnston coerced the woman into sex in secluded locations, cars, and hotels using threats.
He connected with men through adult social networks and sent bulk texts to arrange meetings.
Johnston photographed and filmed the abuse, with police discovering 30,000 images and videos after his arrest.
The victim said he “took her out” up to five nights a week, even when she did not want to go. Johnston’s crimes came to light in July 2024 when the victim’s children found explicit images and alerted police.
She later told officers she felt “used” and “terrified” by the abuse. She accused Johnston of preying on her vulnerability.
The woman stated, “I found myself in a situation I never imagined I would be in.”
She described feeling “dirty, sick, used, degraded, humiliated and terrified.”
She added, “I no longer know who I am. Now I must rebuild myself and I often feel lost.”
Johnston claimed the acts were consensual but was convicted of three counts of procuring a woman to have sexual intercourse by threats or intimidation.
He was also found guilty of two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and one count of witness intimidation.
Senior investigating officer Duncan Woodhams said the sentence resulted from extensive work due to the volume of evidence and the victim’s courage in speaking out.
He expressed gratitude for her trust, allowing the full scale of Johnston’s abuse to be presented. Woodhams added, “This sentence cannot undo what happened to her, but we hope she can now rebuild her life.”
He encouraged others suffering abuse to come forward, assuring them they will be listened to and supported.
