On Friday, 9 January 2026, the Offender Database reported that Rodney Johnston, 67, currently of HMP Norwich, was sentenced to life imprisonment at Norwich Crown Court. Johnston was convicted of a “difficult to comprehend” campaign of sexual exploitation and psychological terror against a woman that spanned over thirty years.
The court heard that for three decades, Johnston treated his victim as “nothing more than an object,” forcing her into “outings” at secluded woodland locations and pre-arranged hotel rooms. There, she was coerced into sexual acts with multiple men while Johnston filmed and photographed the abuse. He maintained control through relentless threats and intimidation, preying on her vulnerability until the degradation became her “norm.” The victim described Johnston as a “monster,” stating she was left feeling “dirty, sick, used, and terrified” with “no voice and no choice.”
Following an eight-week trial in September 2025, a jury found Johnston guilty of three counts of procuring a woman to have sexual intercourse by threats or intimidation, two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and one count of witness intimidation. A charge of rape was ordered to lie on file. During sentencing, Judge Alice Robinson highlighted Johnston’s total failure to accept responsibility and the “multitude of aggravating factors” in his “appalling” offending.
Rodney Johnston was handed a life sentence and must serve a minimum term of 16 years before he can be considered for parole. The judge emphasised the severity of the lifelong damage inflicted upon the survivor, who told the court that while she is finally “free,” she must now begin the long process of rebuilding herself after decades of being “trapped.”
As a result of his convictions for serious sexual exploitation and violence, Johnston has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. He is managed under the highest level of Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Norfolk. This framework ensures that should he ever be released, Norfolk Constabulary and the National Probation Service will maintain permanent, intensive surveillance of his residency and movements. He is also subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which legally prohibits him from contacting the victim or her family and mandates the disclosure of all digital devices to the police.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.