Matthew Johnston used comic book events to groom and abuse the young boy
A North London predator used Star Wars and superhero events to groom and rape a boy from the aged of four, police have said. Matthew Johnston, 49, a regular attendee of Comicon-style events, lured the child using comic book, film, and fantasy meetups, then repeatedly raped and abused him in the ensuing years.
The abuse was reported to Sussex Police in December 2024, and Johnston was arrested and charged with two counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. He was convicted on all counts this month at Hove Crown Court, and will be sentenced in January.
Detective Constable Jacob Parkin said: “I would like to thank the victim and his family for reporting Johnston’s appalling crimes to police, and for supporting this investigation through to its conclusion.
“Their bravery and determination has helped bring a predatory offender to justice, preventing him from harming other members of the public.
“If you are a victim of sexual offending, please report it to the police online, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency. We will support you and do everything we can to get you justice.”
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