Branded a ‘risk to children’, he has been jailed again and was told by a judge: ‘You knew what you were doing was wrong’
Nathan Johnson has been jailed(Image: Humberside Police)
A convicted sex offender who was locked up for raping a girl later completely ignored a court order and had potentially dangerous contact with unsuspecting children that he met after he was released from prison. The children were put at serious risk by his attempts to work his way round the restrictions on his behaviour that were in place, Hull Crown Court heard.
Nathan Johnson, 24, of Britannia Road, Bridlington, but recently in custody on remand, admitted breaching a sexual harm prevention order on June 26. He also admitted failing to comply with requirements to notify his details as a sex offender between June 26 and July 8.
Oliver Shipley, prosecuting, said that Johnson was locked up for six-and-a-half years at Newcastle Crown Court on March 14, 2022 for the rape of a girl under 16 and two offences of assault by penetration. He had been given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
After he was released from prison, he had contact with children in Bridlington, despite being banned from doing so under the terms of the order. He did not register this contact with the authorities or seek the approval of social services.
His risk officer discovered that he had changed his address for benefits purposes. “Inquiries were made and the defendant was arrested,” said Mr Shipley.
Johnson admitted that he did not reveal his previous convictions to the people that he came into contact with or to the professionals that needed to know about his change of address. “This is a very serious breach,” said Mr Shipley.
“Clearly, there was a risk here of very serious harm, bearing in mind his previous conviction.” Johnson had first been released from custody on December 12, 2024 but, after later being recalled to prison, he was again released in April this year.
James O’Connor, mitigating, said that Johnson was aged 17 when he was originally locked up for the sex offences. He had convictions for only those three offences.
He had a history of difficulties after being released from custody and there were periods when he did not have a home. “He made full and frank admissions during his interview,” said Mr O’Connor.
Johnson pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He said of the order: “I’m stupid for breaching it.” Johnson had been recalled to prison for breaching his licence. “He is looking to his future,” said Mr O’Connor.
Judge Richard Woolfall told Johnson: “You were identified as being a risk to children. You knew what you were doing was wrong and you were clearly in breach of this order.
“It’s a very serious breach. There was a significant period of non-compliance.” Johnson could not try to avoid the requirements of the sexual harm prevention order, even if it caused inconvenience for him.
“You can’t work your way round them,” said Judge Woolfall. “It’s the safety of children that comes first.”
Johnson was jailed for two years and eight months. He will have to pay a £228 victims’ surcharge.
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here.