MICHAEL HODGSON FROM CROOK SEEKS REDUCTION IN SENTENCE AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON CHILD

In May 2017, a disturbing case involving Michael Hodgson, a resident of Crook, County Durham, drew significant attention from the local community and legal authorities alike. Hodgson, aged 28 and residing on Prospect Terrace, Willington, was convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. His crimes included molesting a child by groping her bottom, an act that shocked those who knew him and raised concerns about the safety of children in the area.

Following his arrest and subsequent court proceedings, Hodgson was brought before Durham Crown Court. On November 8 of the previous year, he pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Additionally, he admitted to attempting to supply a Class B drug and to the sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13. The court heard that the sexual assault involved Hodgson placing his hands inside the young girl’s clothing, touching her bottom, and squeezing it, an act that caused significant distress and alarm.

Based on these findings, the court sentenced Hodgson to a total of six years and two months in prison. Specifically, he received a five-year sentence for the sexual assault and an additional one year and two months for the other crimes. The presiding judge, Mr. Justice Garnham, expressed concern about Hodgson’s psychological profile, stating that he appeared to have an “unhealthy sexual interest in young girls.” This comment underscored the severity of the case and the potential risk Hodgson posed to the community.

However, Hodgson’s legal representatives argued that the original sentence was excessively harsh, especially considering his previously good character and the circumstances of the case. They appealed the decision, prompting a review by the Court of Appeal in London. The appeal was heard by Mr. Justice Garnham, sitting alongside Mr. Justice Singh. During the hearing, the lawyers for Hodgson contended that the original sentence for the sexual assault was disproportionate and warranted reduction.

After careful consideration, the appellate judges agreed with Hodgson’s legal team. They concluded that the original five-year sentence for the sexual assault was too severe. As a result, Mr. Justice Garnham announced that the sentence for the sexual assault would be reduced from five years to one year and eight months. This adjustment significantly impacted Hodgson’s overall prison time, reducing his total sentence from six years and two months to just two years and ten months.

Hodgson’s case remains a stark reminder of the importance of justice and the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable children from sexual predators in Crook and the wider County Durham area.