North West Norfolk MP James Wild has formally requested a review of what he describes as an "unduly lenient" life sentence handed to a depraved sexual offender who forced a woman into sexual acts with up to 1,000 men over three decades.
MP Calls for Sentence to be Referred to Court of Appeal
Conservative MP James Wild has written to the Attorney General asking for the case of Rodney Johnston to be referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme. Johnston, 67, was jailed for life earlier this month at Norwich Crown Court with a minimum term of 16 years after being convicted of multiple offences including procuring a woman to have sexual intercourse by threats or intimidation.
Three Decades of Coercion and Abuse
The court heard how Johnston, from Starston in Norfolk, used "physical and psychological threats" to coerce his victim into participating in hundreds of sexual sessions with strangers at dogging sites and hotel rooms across Norfolk. The abuse spanned from 1994 until 2024, when the victim's children discovered explicit images and contacted police.
Johnston would post advertisements on sex sites to arrange encounters where the woman was forced to participate in orgies with up to 15 strangers at a time. Prosecutor Stephen Rose KC told the court that Johnston's exploitation included isolating the woman from friends and family and using a tracker to monitor her movements.
Victim's Harrowing Impact Statement
After Johnston's sentencing, his victim - who has lifelong anonymity - delivered a powerful statement to Norwich Crown Court describing how she felt "dirty, sick, used, degraded, humiliated and terrified" throughout the three decades of abuse. "I had no voice, no choice," she said. "I found myself in a situation I never imagined I would be in. What I went on to endure I would not wish on anybody."
The woman added that Johnston treated her as "nothing more than an object" and that the abuse had become her "norm." She concluded: "I no longer know who I am. Now I must rebuild myself. 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."
Judge's Damning Assessment
Sentencing Johnston, Judge Alice Robinson told him he had pursued a "predatory lifestyle to further your perverted sexual desires." She stated that forcing the woman to participate in orgies with men who were told there were "no limits" to the encounters constituted rape in all but name.
Johnston, who previously worked as a carer, was found guilty of seven offences including causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and coercive and controlling behaviour. He was arrested after attempting to take the woman out of the country against her wishes and maintained throughout his trial that all sexual activity was consensual.
MP's Strongly Worded Intervention
In his letter to the Attorney General, MP James Wild wrote: "Anyone reading a summary of this case will be sickened at the depravity inflicted on the victim. Given the length of abuse, the number of forced sexual acts, and the vulnerability of the victim, the minimum 16-year sentence imposed is unduly lenient."
He added: "The public expects depraved, sexual offenders to face proper sentences." The Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme allows certain serious offences to be referred to the Court of Appeal for reconsideration if the sentence appears too low.
Police Investigation Continues
Norfolk Constabulary has confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify and track down the men who participated in the abuse over the three-decade period. Johnston will remain on the sex offenders register for life following his conviction.
