The press has been slammed for mounting a witch-hunt after the daughter of Avongate owners Robert and Lindsay Johnson – branded “the clever little rich girl” – was jailed for her part in the London riots.
Laura Johnson (pictured, with her mother) was found guilty last month of burglary and handling stolen goods by a jury at Inner London Crown Court for her part in a spree that involved thefts from branches of Comet and Currys in south east London. She was sentenced to 2 years in prison on Friday.
But DM industry insiders have expressed their concern for the couple, well known in the list and data industry.
One source said: “The reporting of this case has been nothing short of scandalous. She won’t be the first daughter to go off the rails, or the last. You have to feel for Robert and Lindsay. It’s all very sad.”
Another list industry insider added: “There for the grace of God go all our kids. Paul Dacre at the Daily Mail should hang his head in shame, presiding over this witch-hunt. It’s a classic case of falling in with the wrong crowd.”
It is understood that companies trying to contact Avongate have had difficulty getting through as the couple have been besieged by reporters trying to quiz them on their daughter.
The insider said: “This has been hanging over Robert and Lindsay for months. Hopefully they will be able to move on now.”
