Brighton woman who gave evidence in ‘Babes in the Wood’ murder investigation faces perjury charge

Jennifer Johnson, 54, of Brighton, was served on 24 March with a summons to appear at Brighton Magistrates Court on 28 May, police confirmed.

Police said: “The charges relate to statements she made to the police, and evidence she gave at Lewes Crown Court in November 1987, during the investigation and prosecution of Russell Bishop for the murders of Karen Hadaway and Nicola Fellows in Wild Park, Brighton, in October 1986.”

Bishop was put on trial for the murder of the two nine-year-olds in 1987 but was acquitted.

In 1990, he was convicted of kidnapping, indecent assault and attempted murder in a separate case involving a girl in Brighton.

Almost 30 years later, he was put on trial again for the ‘Babes in the Wood’ murders.

He was found guilty in 2018 and handed a life sentence.

The prosecution of Johnson, authorised by the CPS, follows an investigation by detectives from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team.

A spokesman said: “We have ensured that the families of Karen and Nicola, and the victim of Russell Bishop in 1990, are fully aware of this significant development in the case and we will continue to keep them informed.”

Police added: “We understand that this development will cause considerable public interest, but we remind the public that this case is now before the courts and it is essential that nothing is published or broadcast, including any comment on social media, that could create a risk of prejudice to the course of justice.

“Any such material would be reported to the Crown Prosecution Service.”