Brighton Woman Found Guilty of Perjury in Chilling 1986 Child Murder Case
Jennifer Johnson, 55, from Brighton, has been convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice in one of the city’s most notorious murder cases. The jury at Lewes Crown Court found her guilty on Monday 17 May after a grueling month-long trial.
Johnson had denied any wrongdoing but now faces sentencing on Wednesday 19 May. She was immediately remanded in custody following the verdict.
Decades-Old Lies Tied to Double Child Murders
The offences date back to 1987, when Johnson gave false statements to police and lied under oath during the investigation and prosecution of Russell Bishop. Bishop was tried for the brutal murders of Karen Fellows and Nicola Hadaway, two young girls killed in Wild Park, Brighton, in October 1986.
Bishop was wrongfully acquitted in 1987, partly due to Johnson’s deceit. He later was convicted in December 2018 after a lengthy, intense police probe and is now serving life sentences.
Families Praise Justice but Recall Painful Past
“Jennifer Johnson blatantly perverted the course of justice for our beautiful girls Nicola and Karen,” said Lorna Clary, cousin of Nicola Fellows, speaking for the families.
“She helped a paedophile and double child murderer walk free – a man who went on to attack again,” she said.
“The wheels of justice turn slowly, but justice has finally been served on someone who thought she was untouchable.”
“We fought for over 34 years, changed laws on double jeopardy, and never gave up. For other families facing historical murders, hold on to hope – the truth catches up.”
Clary also revealed how Johnson was infatuated with Bishop and lied under oath, motivated by potential financial gain from the now-defunct News of the World, which had offered her a hefty payout if Bishop was acquitted.
The family highlighted the cruel aftermath when, on the very night of the wrongful acquittals, Johnson and the Bishop family celebrated with a champagne dinner at a Hilton Hotel.
Case Finally Closes After Decades of Heartbreak
Chief Superintendent Nick May praised the joint work between Surrey and Sussex police and the Crown Prosecution Service, who only brought the case to court after Bishop’s guilt was established.
“The court was clearly satisfied Johnson lied to both police and jury in 1987, undermining key evidence about a sweatshirt central to both trials,” May said.
While the guilty verdict won’t bring Karen or Nicola back, their families vow never to forget them.
“Rest in Peace Nicky and Karen. We have kept our promises, we never gave up,” said Clary.
