Jack Johnson jailed for six years for sexually assaulting one woman and raping another in Lerwick

February 02, 2024

A sex attacker who admitted raping a woman after being found guilty following a trial wept during his sentencing as he was jailed for six years.

Jack Johnson, 32, molested one woman after pinning her down. A judge described the sexual assault as "degrading and humiliating" for the victim.

Johnson also shouted and swore at the woman.

He then raped a second woman who was intoxicated and incapable of giving or withholding consent after she had consumed alcohol, smoked cannabis and taken cocaine.

During Johnson's trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, the victim told jurors that she was unable to open her eyes and fend off the attack.

Lord Lake accepted that Johnson did not force the drugs on his victim, but "took advantage of the situation".

The judge added: "I can recall her distress in describing that she was aware of what was happening but unable to stop it.

"In that regard, I have considered the victim impact statement that she provided and it is apparent that her suffering has continued long after the event."

Johnson attacked the women in Lerwick, Shetland, in 2017 and 2021.

He was convicted in October last year following a trial and was sentenced on Thursday.

As well as the six-year jail term, Johnson was also placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

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Johnson, formerly of Cramlington, Northumberland, had denied any wrongdoing but has since accepted his guilt.

While observing proceedings via video link from prison, Johnson could be seen crying and holding his head in his hands as his lawyer delivered his mitigation.

Defence solicitor advocate Brian Gilfedder said: "The accused now accepts his guilt in relation to the charge, which is quite unusual.

"He wants to apologise to the complainer because she had to give evidence."

Lord Lake said he took Johnson's admission into account, but said it came "too late to lead to a modification of sentence".

The judge added: "These crimes require a sentence with a significant punitive element.

"You have not previously received a sentence of imprisonment. Nonetheless, I am satisfied that only a custodial sentence would be appropriate in the current circumstances."

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