Matthew Johnson Reaffirms No Contact With Mother 20 Years After Faked Illness Case
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 19
Matthew Johnson Reaffirms No Contact With Mother 20 Years After Faked Illness Case
2 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 19
Summary
Nearly 20 years after his mother fabricated his illnesses, Matthew Johnson said a new Channel 4 documentary reinforced his decision not to speak to her because she still shows no accountability.
Johnson said hearing Lisa Hayden-Johnson defend her actions left him disappointed and frustrated, saying she still believes she acted in his best interests despite the harm done.
For 6½ years, Hayden-Johnson falsely portrayed him as gravely ill, spiked urine samples with glucose and triggered unnecessary treatment, including tube feeding and surgery, while collecting thousands of pounds in benefits and gifts.
A paediatrician's suspicions in 2007 led to her arrest; she was jailed in 2010 for three years and three months, while Johnson was taken into foster care before rebuilding his life in Sheffield.
Now an adult, Johnson said he credits his father, sister and friends for helping him move on and wants to focus on the life he built after leaving the case behind.