Rodney Johnston

Rodney Johnston, a 67-year-old man from Starston near Harleston in Norfolk, stood trial at Norwich Crown Court on eight charges related to the coercion and sexual exploitation of a woman over a period spanning from 1994 to 2024. The offences, which involved pressurising the victim into engaging in sexual activities with multiple strangers while Johnston observed, filmed, and photographed the encounters, took place at various locations including parties, hotels in the UK and abroad, and dogging sites in Norwich and Thetford.

The trial, which lasted more than four weeks earlier in the year, resulted in Johnston being found guilty of seven out of the eight charges. These convictions included three counts of procuring a woman to have sexual intercourse by threats or intimidation, and two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and intimidation. Some of the sessions reportedly involved up to 15 men participating. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the single count of rape, leading to their discharge on that charge.

Originally scheduled for sentencing on 9 December 2024, the proceedings were adjourned to 8 January 2026, as reported by court correspondent Peter Walsh in Thetford and Brandon Times. The case highlights a long-term pattern of coercive behaviour, with the victim protected from identification for legal reasons. Norfolk Constabulary handled the investigation, though specific details on the arrest were not detailed in the coverage.

• Key locations: Dogging sites in Norwich and Thetford, UK hotels, and international venues.
• Duration: Offences occurred intermittently over 30 years, from 1994 to 2024.
• Court: Norwich Crown Court.

Johnston, residing on Rushall Road in Starston, awaits his formal sentencing, where the court will determine the appropriate punishment for these serious sexual offences.