Norfolk: Man, 67, who forced woman to have sex with 'up to 1,000' men over three decades jailed for life
A man who forced woman into having sex with strangers has been jailed for life.
Rodney Johnston sexually exploited the woman by coercing her into sexual activity with men on "outings", often to secluded woodlands or hotels, while he filmed and photographed the abuse, a court heard. He also threatened the woman if she did not comply with his demands.
The 67-year-old was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 16 years in prison on Friday at Norwich Crown Court. He had earlier been found guilty of multiple offences, including 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 intimidating a witness.
A jury reached its verdicts following an eight-week trial in September, but was unable to reach a verdict on a charge of rape. The woman, who has a legal right to remain anonymous, said Johnston preyed on her weakness and vulnerability: "I felt dirty, sick, used, degraded, humiliated and terrified - but his became my norm".
"I no longer know who I am," she added. "Now I must rebuild myself and 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 Alice Robinson told Johnston on Friday it was "difficult to comprehend how appalling his offending was", adding there were a "multitude of aggravating factors" including his failure to accept any responsibility. Throughout the seven-week trial, Johnston denied all the charges and claimed the acts were consensual.
However, police said evidence proved the woman's account that she was not a willing participant and had been coerced and exploited. The Norfolk Constabulary said anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence can call police in an emergency on 999.