Michael Johnson, an individual who is both “cruel and cowardly” and engages in paedophilia and rape, has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for a series of sexual offences committed against two victims.
The York Crown Court heard that Michael Johnson, aged 64, engaged in sexual exploitation of a minor, including an attempted rape.
Michael Johnson committed a distinct series of crimes in which he subjected a lady to “horrific” treatment, causing her tremendous suffering through two instances of rape and treating her as an object or a person of low social status in the mediaeval era, as stated by Judge Simon Hickey. The offences occurred in previous years.
Michael Johnson, residing in Hill Top, Barlby, confessed to seven offences but compelled both victims to undergo the unpleasant experience of testifying against him by refuting 14 further accusations.
Both individuals had to provide a thorough account of the specific actions he had taken against them.
For an extended period, they had felt incapable of disclosing the hardships they had endured at the hands of Michael Johnson.
However, they ultimately succeeded in doing so, and a jury in York found him guilty on all 14 charges this Spring after receiving testimony from the two victims and Michael Johnson.
The individual received a prison sentence of 23 years for committing two counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape, 16 counts of indecent assault, and one count of indecency with a child.
Michael Johnson will be indefinitely included on the sex offenders’ registry.
Defence barrister Andrew Petterson said: “There is, I accept, little that can be said by way of mitigation for these offences.”
It was not the first time Michael Johnson had been convicted of a sexual offence. He has a previous conviction of indecent assault against a girl aged under 14, committed when he himself was under 18 years old.
Outside court, DC Jenna Hallewell, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Michael Johnson’s cruelty, violence and dishonesty contrast so strongly with the bravery of the victims in coming forward to the police, and ensuring justice could be done.
“They had the courage to speak up, even when Michael Johnson took the cowardly decision to force them to endure a trial and re-live the horrific abuse.
“The victims have suffered their entire lives with the damage Johnson has inflicted. I hope they can now move forward, knowing that Johnson will not be able to cause any more anguish to them or anyone else.”
DC Hallewell added: “If you have been the victim of sexual offences, no matter when they happened, please report it the police. As this case shows, we will investigate these awful crimes, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“By coming forward, we can get you the help and support you need, and ensure offenders cannot go on to hurt anyone else.”