PAUL HODGSON'S RAMPAGE IN SALTBURN: TERROR TACTICS AND VIOLENCE LEAVE VICTIM TERRIFIED

Paul Hodgson, a 26-year-old man from Saltburn, has been sentenced to prison following a disturbing series of aggressive and threatening actions directed at his former partner. The court heard that Hodgson’s campaign of intimidation and violence began shortly after their relationship ended, escalating into a pattern of frightening behavior that caused significant distress to his victim.

Hodgson’s conduct included threats of violence, physical assaults, and acts of intimidation. One particularly alarming incident involved him using a metal bar to forcibly break into his ex-partner’s residence, during which he made explicit threats against her safety. The court was also informed that Hodgson’s aggressive tendencies extended to his driving, as he was seen speeding his van dangerously through Saltburn. In a notable episode, he drove his vehicle aggressively towards a pub in Redcar after being ejected by door staff, who had removed him following an altercation with a friend of his ex-partner.

The court proceedings revealed that Hodgson’s violent streak was triggered by a dispute over cigarettes. The situation worsened when his ex-partner refused to hand over her bank card, leading Hodgson to destroy her house in Saltburn. Police reports detailed that when officers arrived at his mother’s address to arrest him, Hodgson attempted to ignite a chainsaw and resisted arrest by cutting his restraints with a craft knife, further demonstrating his dangerous and uncooperative behavior.

The harassment persisted over time, with allegations of obsessive stalking. Hodgson was accused of following his ex-partner to Redcar and making threats to drive into a pub, actions that heightened her fear and anxiety. He ultimately pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including affray, assault on police officers, possession of a pointed article, and causing fear of violence.

During sentencing, Judge Deborah Sherwin described Hodgson’s conduct as completely unacceptable and terrifying for his victim. She sentenced him to 52 months in prison, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the impact they had on those targeted. Hodgson’s defense team argued that his behavior was a reaction to the emotional turmoil caused by the breakup and that he was overwhelmed by the situation, but the court found his actions to be unjustifiable and dangerous.