Registered sex offender jailed for attempted rape

Ben Johnson, 38, was already a registered sex offender before the attack in June last year, police said

A registered sex offender has been jailed for 20 years for what police have described as the "sickening" attempted rape of a teenage girl.

Ben Johnson, 38, of no fixed address, wore a balaclava as he exposed himself to the girl, sexually assaulted her and attempted to rape her in woods in Sheffield in June 2024, according to South Yorkshire Police.

However, the girl punched Johnson and managed to escape from the scene in Tongue Gutter Woods before reporting the attack to police.

After a trial at Sheffield Crown Court in July, Johnson was found guilty of the attempted rape of a girl under 16, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of exposure and was sentenced at the same court on Monday.

Johnson was also given an indefinite restraining order preventing him from making contact with the victim.

'Incredible courage'

Police said the attack on the girl was reported to police on 27 June 2024, the same day it took place.

The victim managed to give officers a description of her attacker, meaning detectives could narrow their inquiries, with the teenager later singling out Johnson during a controlled ID process, police said.

Following his arrest, he gave a prepared statement denying the offences and did not comment during two interviews, a force spokesperson said.

After Johnson's sentencing, Det Con Kevin Sibley, leading the investigation, said the victim had showed "incredible courage throughout her ordeal".

"She was able to provide a strong positive ID of her attacker, which helped prove Johnson was responsible for this sickening crime," he said.

"I commend her for her remarkable bravery."

Meanwhile, Det Con Sibley said he was "pleased with the lengthy sentence" Johnson had received.

"A dangerous man is now behind bars where he belongs," he added.