- Ryan Johnston sentenced in London
- Assault on Piccadilly Line
- French witness crucial
On a Piccadilly Line train, a twenty-year-old woman returning home from an evening out with companions was subjected to sexual assault and subsequent rape by Ryan Johnston.
A man has been incarcerated for raping a woman during a “brazen attack” in the presence of other passengers during a busy morning service on the London Underground.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reported that on Friday at Inner London Crown Court, Ryan Johnston, 37, was sentenced to nine years in prison, with an additional five years to be served on licence.
Regarding another complainant, he was charged with rape, attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault, and outraging public decorum.
British Transport Police (BTP) statement
At approximately 5:00 a.m. on February 23, 2020, two women reported observing Johnston masturbating through a window outside a house near Bounds Green Underground station. In response, Johnston pursued them to their residences.
He departed after the women could enter securely. Ving banged on their door and inserted his hand through the letterbox.
Three hours later, he boarded a Piccadilly Line train at Heathrow Terminal Five, where he reportedly approached an unconscious young woman, according to the BTP.
“Don’t miss out! Grab your free shares of Webull UK today!”
Johnston sexually assaulted and raped the 20-year-old going home from a night out in front of other passengers.
A French citizen accompanied by his 11-year-old son observed the assault and subsequently notified law enforcement authorities.
The BTP said the victim could not be identified since the assault was not recorded on CCTV.
Johnston was apprehended in December 2022 at HMP Brixton, where he was incarcerated for burglary. His apprehension followed a BTP review of historical rape cases, which confirmed his identity. Additionally, detectives successfully identified the victim within the same month.
CPS stated that the French national was flown to the United Kingdom to depose at the trial, where he assisted in refuting Johnston’s claims that he knew the complainant and that she had given her consent.
A jury found Johnston guilty of all five charges after a two-week trial at Inner London Crown Court in August.
Additionally, he was indefinitely listed on the sex offenders register.
Detective Inspector Paul Attwell, a senior investigating officer with the Major, Serious, and Organised Crime Unit of the BTP, stated:
“Johnston’s flagrant assault in the presence of witnesses underscored his persistent absence of shame or remorse for his deeds, a sentiment that persisted throughout his trial.”
“I express gratitude for the recognition of his violent and abhorrent deeds through the guilty verdicts and substantial sentences.”
His heinous deeds will leave an indelible mark on both the victim and the bystanders.
“I appreciate their courage during this investigation. As for them, I sincerely hope that the fact that justice has been served will provide some solace.
