April 2021

Swindon man accused of child sex offence has ‘moved away for his own safety’

A Swindon man accused of a child sex offence has ‘moved to Warwickshire for his own safety’, a court heard this afternoon.

Karl Johns, 47, was confronted by paedophile hunters in Abbey Meads on 24 October last year and has since been charged with attempting to incite a 13-year-old girl into engaging in sexual activity involving the penetration of her vagina.

The defendant, formerly of Pickford Way, now resides at an address in North Street, Atherstone, Warwickshire

Defence solicitor Jacqui Callan told Swindon Magistrates’ Court that Johns moved out of the area “for his own safety” following the allegation.

Ms Callan said as she indicated her client would admit the offence when the case is first heard at a crown court. She asked for a pre-sentence report to be prepared ahead of said hearing.

Johns will appear at Swindon Crown Court on 21 May.

He was released on conditional bail. He must not have any contact with children under the age of 16 whilst unsupervised, must live and sleep at his North Street address and must not enter Pickford Way in Swindon.