Today (Tuesday, May 3) George Norman Johnson has been sentenced to life imprisonment by The Honorable Mr Justice Griffith-Williams for the murder of Florence May Habesch which occurred in Rhyl on 6th February 2011.
Johnson pleaded guilty to the murder of Mrs Habesch at an earlier hearing in Caernarfon Crown Court on Thursday 21st April 2011
Detective Inspector Jo Williams from Central CID said:
“Florence May Habesch was a gentle and dignified member of the community who played an active role in her church.
“She was a very private person who took Johnson into her trust.
“George Johnson abused the trust of Mrs Habesch in the very worst way possible.
“He took advantage of her good nature and kindness and repaid her with violence which resulted in him taking her life.
“This was a despicable, unprovoked act which is hard to comprehend and is beyond explanation.
“Incidents of this nature are very rare in North Wales.
“North Wales Police are committed to investigating all crimes to the very highest standard to ensure that those who commit crime are bought to justice.
“This sentence handed down to Johnson today reflects the seriousness of the offence.”
Detective Sergeant Mark Abbott from Central CID stated:
“I would like to thank all of the witnesses who came forward to assist North Wales Police in their investigation of this case.
“Mrs Habesch was a highly regarded member of her community.
Her untimely and violent death has had a profound impact on her family and friends.
“I would again like to reassure the community that North Wales is a safe place to live ”
“Our thoughts are with Mrs Habesch’s family and her friends at this time.”
Elen Owen, Crown Advocate for CPS Wales, said:
“George Johnson carried out a particularly violent and unprovoked attack on Florence Habesch. This was a cowardly and vicious crime perpetrated against an elderly and vulnerable lady who had befriended and trusted her attacker.
“The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely alongside our colleagues at North Wales Police throughout the investigation and prosecution of this case and I would like to pay tribute to all those whose professionalism helped to build the case against George Johnson.
“Despite today’s sentence, we should not forget that at the heart of this are the family and friends of Florence Habesch, who are still grieving her loss. Our thoughts are with them.”
