At a Glance
- Rodney Johnston, 67, sentenced to life with a 16-year minimum for forcing a woman into sex with 100+ men over 30 years
- Judge labeled the abuse “rape in all but name” during Jan. 9 hearing at Norwich Crown Court
- Police found 30,000+ images/videos documenting assaults in woods and hotel rooms
- Why it matters: Case exposes decades-long coercion and raises questions about further accomplices
A Norwich Crown Court judge condemned Rodney Johnston‘s three-decade campaign of sexual coercion, calling it “rape in all but name” as she imposed a life sentence.
The Sentence and Judge’s Words
Judge Alice Robinson told the court that for the victim, “going out became a byword for being raped by strangers.” Johnston must serve at least 16 years before parole consideration.
Scope of the Abuse
Between 1994 and 2024, Johnston:
- Drove the woman to secluded woodlands
- Arranged hotel-room encounters
- Filmed and photographed every assault
- Amassed 30,000+ digital files of abuse
Norfolk Police say Johnston used threats and intimidation to compel compliance.
Victim’s Court Statement
The woman, whose identity is protected, addressed the court for the first time:
> “For the first time in decades I am free.”
She described feeling:
- Dirty, sick, used, degraded, humiliated, terrified
- Treated like “nothing more than an object”
- Stripped of voice and choice
Convictions and Next Steps
Johnston was found guilty of:
- 3 counts of procuring intercourse by threats
- 2 counts of sexual activity without consent
- 1 count of witness intimidation
Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Woodhams stated:
> “Our focus will now shift to establishing if any further offenses have been committed and if so, we’ll conduct a thorough investigation to identify those responsible.”
Key Takeaways
- Life sentence reflects severity of 30-year coercion
- 100+ men allegedly involved; police probe continues
- 30,000+ files evidence of systematic abuse
- Victim’s testimony marks her first public statement since escape
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Norfolk Police as the investigation widens.
