A pensioner who subjected a woman to three decades of "disturbing and truly awful abuse", coercing her into sexual acts with potentially hundreds of men, has been handed a life sentence.
A Decades-Long Ordeal
Rodney Johnston, 67, of HMP Norwich, was convicted on Friday, 9 January 2026, at Norwich Crown Court. His crimes included 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.
The court heard how Johnston repeatedly exploited his victim, forcing her into sexual situations with numerous men over a thirty-year period. The abuse was meticulously documented, with police discovering a cache of around 30,000 images and videos.
The Victim's Harrowing Statement
In a powerful impact statement, the woman, who has lifelong anonymity, described the profound psychological damage. She said she felt "dirty, sick, used, degraded, humiliated and terrified" but that the abuse had become her "norm."
"I found myself in a situation I never imagined I would be in," she told the court, explaining that compliance seemed easier than facing the consequences of defiance. She characterised Johnston as a monster who viewed her as "nothing more than an object."
Now facing the daunting task of rebuilding her life, she added: "I no longer know who I am... I often feel lost and unsure where to begin. I feel anxious about the future, but for the first time in decades, I am free."
Justice Served and Ongoing Investigation
Judge Alice Robinson told Johnston it was "difficult to comprehend how appalling his offending was," citing a "multitude of aggravating factors" including his failure to accept responsibility. She sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years.
Senior investigating officer Duncan Woodhams praised the victim's "remarkable bravery" and the painstaking police work required to process the vast evidence. He confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, stating: "Our focus now shifts to establishing if any further offences have been committed... we will conduct a thorough investigation to identify those responsible."
The victim's family expressed being "endlessly proud" of her courage. Police have urged other victims of abuse to come forward, assuring them they "will be listened to and supported."
