Kev Johns

[Pegojack]

I always wonder in cases like this, how the hell is the jury supposed to come to a verdict about something like this that happened or didn't happen around 40 years ago, and there is absolutely no evidence either way, other than the testimony of the accused and the accuser? Literally one man's word against another. How can anyone be convicted on that basis?

 

[ABSwan]

I always wonder in cases like this, how the hell is the jury supposed to come to a verdict about something like this that happened or didn't happen around 40 years ago, and there is absolutely no evidence either way, other than the testimony of the accused and the accuser? Literally one man's word against another. How can anyone be convicted on that basis?

I agree with that.

often when something like this is made public, more alleged victims come forward, which makes the case basically.

In this case where no-one else has come forward, it must be close to impossible, short of the accused breaking down and admitting it.

 

[Jinxy]

I always wonder in cases like this, how the hell is the jury supposed to come to a verdict about something like this that happened or didn't happen around 40 years ago, and there is absolutely no evidence either way, other than the testimony of the accused and the accuser? Literally one man's word against another. How can anyone be convicted on that basis?

I agree with that.

often when something like this is made public, more alleged victims come forward, which makes the case basically.

In this case where no-one else has come forward, it must be close to impossible, short of the accused breaking down and admitting it.

Also, the court would likely consider what the plaintiff has to gain or lose by making the accusation. Andy Woodward, for example, had little to gain and perhaps much to lose by levelling his accusations. Compelling, and encouraged others to step forward fortunately.

Given Johns' contact with young people over decades, if culpable then it's possible this may not be the only victim. If that's the case, others may only come forward following a guilty verdict, given this is involving only one alleged perpetrator.

 

[sainthelens]

I agree with that.

often when something like this is made public, more alleged victims come forward, which makes the case basically.

In this case where no-one else has come forward, it must be close to impossible, short of the accused breaking down and admitting it.

Also, the court would likely consider what the plaintiff has to gain or lose by making the accusation. Andy Woodward, for example, had little to gain and perhaps much to lose by levelling his accusations. Compelling, and encouraged others to step forward fortunately.

Given Johns' contact with young people over decades, if culpable then it's possible this may not be the only victim. If that's the case, others may only come forward following a guilty verdict, given this is involving only one alleged perpetrator.

Yet if Kev is found not guilty his life will still be in tatters, and the accuser continues his life of anonymity.

 

[Raynor94]

Theres something quite uncomfortable that Wales Online are running it as they would do a sports coverage on their website

Is that normal for court cases?

They tend to do it for high profile cases, although is this high profile

 

[Darran]

I know don’t if I’m reading today’s evidence correctly but the fella appears to be saying after living in Swansea for forty years since the incident he’d never heard of Kev Johns.

A short clip from a video interview with the alleged victim has been shown to the court. He was asked about his knowledge of Johns's local celebrity status.

He replied: "Only what I've been told very recently. My wife looked him up on the internet - for want of a better word he is a Swansea celebrity.