MEGAN JOHNSON and CARL GRIFFITHS – NEWTON AYCLIFFE, COUNTY DURHAM

The following two court cases relate to individuals who are now in a relationship and have since had a child together. Despite their respective criminal histories, they are currently pursuing custody of their child her first born is safe also. The information below is shared to provide context around previous court findings involving both parties

Carl Luke Griffiths and Megan Johnson: Newton Aycliffe couple both convicted in separate sexual offence and child neglect cases

Court cases involving Carl Luke Griffiths, of Melanby Crescent, Newton Aycliffe, and Megan Johnson, formerly of Darlington and now living in Newton Aycliffe, have highlighted serious concerns relating to sexual offending, child neglect and safeguarding.

Griffiths, aged 23 at the time of sentencing, was jailed after admitting sexually assaulting a woman who was highly intoxicated and asleep following a night out in July. Durham Crown Court heard that the woman was in a vulnerable condition and later awoke to discover Griffiths sexually interfering with her while she slept.

The court was told that Griffiths later handed himself in to police and admitted abusing a woman when she was very drunk. Prosecutors said a rape charge was considered before the Crown proceeded with a charge of assault by penetration. Griffiths pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

He was sentenced to 32 months in prison, made subject to a ten-year restraining order, and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely. The sentencing judge said the offence involved a clear abuse of vulnerability, with the victim unable to give consent.

In a separate case, Megan Johnson narrowly avoided an immediate custodial sentence after being convicted of child neglect. Teesside Crown Court heard that Johnson failed to protect her young child from harm and did not provide a clean or safe home environment over a prolonged period.

The court heard that the child was exposed to violence and neglect, lived in unhygienic conditions, and was underweight. Johnson failed to alert authorities to abuse carried out by her partner and did not take sufficient steps to safeguard her child.

After intervention, the child was removed from her care and later showed significant improvement. Johnson was convicted of failing to bring abuse to the attention of authorities and failing to provide a safe environment for her child.

She received a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, was made subject to an electronically monitored curfew, and ordered to complete rehabilitation activity requirements.

It is understood that Griffiths and Johnson now have a child together which is in care and both live in Newton Aycliffe, raising safeguarding concerns in light of their separate convictions.

The cases underline the relevance of Clare’s Law, which allows individuals to request information from police about a partner’s history of violence or abuse where there may be a risk of harm. The scheme is designed to help prevent further abuse and protect vulnerable adults and children.