Victims' bravery praised as offender jailed for 23 years

A man who sexually abused two victims over more than a decade has been jailed for 23 years.

Michael Johnson, 64, of Barlby, Selby, was sentenced for 21 offences against a girl and a woman in the 1980s and 90s, including rape, attempted rape, indecent assault and inciting a girl to commit an act of gross indecency.

He pleaded guilty to seven of the charges, and was found guilty by a jury at York Crown Court on 26 May 2023 for the remaining 14.

Some offences were originally reported in the late 1990s, but Johnson manipulated the victim and her family and the complaint was withdrawn. In 2020, the victim made a further complaint to North Yorkshire Police, resulting in Johnson being charged.

He was sentenced to 23 years' imprisonment on 6 July 2023.

DC Jenna Hallewell, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “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 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.”

Seeking further support, advice and ways of reporting sexual abuse

Make a report via our website or call us on 101 if you have been a victim of abuse.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) - Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact   Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email [email protected] or go to www.bridgehousesarc.org

You can also contact the Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at www.supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.

Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.

Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk

North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership - www.safeguardingchildren.co.uk

City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership (CYSCP) - www.saferchildrenyork.org.uk