Scunthorpe sex offender sent back to prison
34 year-old Benjamin Johnson sexually assaulted two more children after being released from prison.
A registered sex offender from Scunthorpe, who broke his release requirements after he was released from prison, has been jailed again.
34 year-old Benjamin Johnson sexually assaulted two more children after being released from prison - and drugged another.
He was jailed for six years at Grimsby Crown Court - and was given a sexual harm prevention order, a restraining order and placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Grimsby Crown Court heard he had taken extensive measures to conceal his year long relationship with a woman who has three children who he had overnight stays with up until his arrest in April 2020. This was in breach of his register order, following his prison release for previous sexual offending.
Johnson remained on remand from the time of his arrest until his sentencing, to ensure he wasn’t able to commit any further offences, whilst a dedicated team built an extremely strong case against him, forcing him to plead guilty to all charges at an earlier court appearance.
The court heard how Johnson had concealed his background from the mother, sexually assaulted two of the children and given the other child drugs.
Detective Sergeant Hayley Broddle said: “The bravery of these children has been incredible, and I want to applaud them for their courage in reporting what had been happening to them. That is not an easy thing to do, and I hope that they realise just how strong they are.
“As with any investigation into sexual offending against children, we take reports extremely seriously and tackle them with the upmost sensitivity. We understand how distressing this can be and that offenders can make it scary to come forward and tell someone, especially the police.
“We have a dedicated team aimed at protecting the most vulnerable in our communities, including taking action against those intent on causing harm. I would like to thank the team who worked together to bring Mr Johnson in front of the court.
“Now that he is in prison once again, he can no longer pose a threat to our communities, and I hope it allows the family to feel some sort of closure.
“If you or someone you know is being sexually abused, I would encourage you to speak up. I know that this can be really difficult and you may not want to tell the police yourself, but you can confide in a teacher, loved one, or healthcare or social care professional who can alert the police on your behalf. You will be believed, you will be listened to and you will be supported through the entire process.”
The officer in the case, Detective Constable Kevin Palmer, added; "After speaking to the victim's family today following the sentencing, they are pleased to see Benjamin Johnson behind bars and are now trying to focus on their future again."