A Norwich man was sentenced to life in prison for coercing a woman into sexual activity with multiple men over decades
Woman Speaks Out After Abuser Receives Life Sentence
A woman who was forced into sexual activity with “multiple” men over three decades has spoken out after her abuser was sentenced to life in prison.
Rodney Johnston sexually exploited the woman by coercing her into sexual acts during “outings” to secluded woodlands or hotels. He filmed and photographed the abuse, a court heard.
Johnston also threatened the woman if she did not comply with his demands.
The 67-year-old received a life sentence with a minimum of 16 years in prison on Friday at Norwich Crown Court.
Charges and Verdict
He was found guilty of multiple offences, including:
| Offence | Count |
|---|---|
| Procuring a woman to have sexual intercourse by threats or intimidation | 3 |
| Causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent | 2 |
| Intimidating a witness | 1 |
A jury reached its verdicts after an eight-week trial in September but could not reach a verdict on a charge of rape.
Victim’s Statement
The woman, who has a legal right to remain anonymous, said Johnston preyed on her weakness and vulnerability. She stated, “I felt dirty, sick, used, degraded, humiliated and terrified – but this became my norm.”
She added, “I no longer know who I am. Now I must rebuild myself and I often feel lost and unsure where to begin.”
“I feel anxious about the future, but for the first time in decades I am free,” she said.
Judge’s Remarks
Judge Alice Robinson told Johnston it was “difficult to comprehend how appalling his offending was.” She noted there were a “multitude of aggravating factors,” including his failure to accept any responsibility.
Investigator’s Comments
Senior investigating officer Duncan Woodhams stated that Friday’s sentence resulted from “painstaking work due to the sheer volume of evidence involved, and of course the courage of the victim in telling us about what she has endured.”
“We are grateful for her trust in us allowing us to present the full scale of Johnston’s prolonged, disturbing, and truly awful abuse,” he said.
“While this sentence cannot undo what happened to her, we hope she can now take those steps to build her life on her own terms. She has shown remarkable bravery.”
“To anyone else who is suffering abuse, please come forward and know you will be listened to and supported,” he added.
