MARK HODDINOTT FROME SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC SEX CRIMES

In August 2017, a man named Mark Raymond Hoddinott, aged 51 and residing on Portland Place in Frome, was sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses involving young girls. The court heard that Hoddinott committed multiple serious crimes, including rape, attempted rape, and various sexual assaults, all against vulnerable victims under the age of 13.

Hoddinott's criminal activities spanned several years, with offenses occurring between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2011, in the town of Frome. His youngest victim was under six years old at the time of the abuse. The charges included raping a girl under 13, attempting to rape another girl under 13, and sexually assaulting a third girl, which involved penetration. Additionally, he was convicted of five counts of intentionally touching a girl under 13 in a sexual manner, all committed within Frome.

The jury also found Hoddinott guilty of causing a child under 13 to view an image depicting sexual activity, an offense committed with the intent of obtaining sexual gratification. These crimes painted a disturbing picture of a long-running campaign of abuse against highly vulnerable children.

During the sentencing at Taunton Crown Court, Recorder Paul Garlick QC described Hoddinott’s actions as 'thoroughly evil' and emphasized the severity of his offenses. The judge condemned Hoddinott for forcing his victims to testify in court, forcing them to relive their traumatic experiences. He stated, “I am absolutely satisfied that your sexual abuse has had a serious and permanent effect on their lives from which they may never recover.”

Recorder Garlick also criticized Hoddinott for showing no remorse and for orchestrating a prolonged campaign of abuse. The sentences handed down included 11 years for rape, four years for each sexual assault charge, 18 months for gross indecency, 13 years for attempted rape, seven years for assault by penetration, five years for two counts of sexual assault against children, and two years for causing a child to view sexual material. The cumulative sentences amounted to decades of imprisonment, with each offense deemed individually heinous.

Despite the lengthy sentences, the judge noted that, due to Hoddinott’s age and the fact that he would not be eligible for early release on parole, all sentences would run concurrently. Consequently, he was sentenced to serve a total of 13 years in prison. Furthermore, Hoddinott was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subject to a sexual harm prevention order. His victims were also granted restraining orders to prevent any contact with him, ensuring their ongoing safety and protection from further harm.