A woman who was forced into having sex with “multiple” men over three decades has spoken out as her abuser was 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”.
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“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.
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Senior investigating officer Duncan Woodhams said Friday’s sentence was the result of the “painstaking work due to the sheer volume of evidence involved, and of course the courage of the victim in telling us about what she has endured”.
“We are grateful for her trust in us allowing us to present the full scale of Johnston’s prolonged, disturbing, and truly awful abuse,” he said.
“Whilst this sentence cannot undo what happened to her we hope she can now take those steps to build her life on her own terms.
“She has shown remarkable bravery.
“And to anyone else who is suffering abuse please come forward and know you will be listened to and supported.”
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The Norfolk Constabulary said anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence can call police in an emergency on 999.
