RUDHEATH MAN JAILED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING FAMILY FRIEND SLEEPING NEXT TO HIS WIFE
A RUDHEATH man has been jailed after he sexually assaulted a family friend as she was sleeping in his home next to his wife.Neil Hodkinson, 29, from Edward Street, was found guilty of assault by penetration in August 2015 and later pleaded guilty to conspiring to intimidate a witness who gave evidence during the trial.
Hodkinson appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday, June 10, and was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for the two offences.
The court heard how a night out with friends in Northwich ended with a close friend staying overnight at Hodkinson's house and sharing a bed with his wife.
In the morning, Hodkinson molested the sleeping woman while his wife was next to her.
Judge Roger Dutton stated, 'You were convicted by jury on compelling evidence of a most squalid assault on this young girl who was a guest in your home, lying in your bed and sharing it with your wife.' The victim expressed suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts, stating, 'I miss the person I used to be.
I suffer from depression and there isn’t a day goes by without thinking about it.
I’ve had suicidal thoughts and at times I have cried myself to sleep.
The thought of being in a physical relationship with someone sickens me now.' DC Vicki Shelton commented on the psychological trauma inflicted and Hodkinson’s lack of remorse.
Further, Hodkinson and his wife exchanged malicious text messages targeting another witness who had given evidence, plotting to send her a picture and falsely accuse her partner of an affair.
Judge Dutton highlighted the severe consequences of such actions and emphasized public duty and consequences for those who seek retribution through violence or intimidation.
