PETER HODGSON CAUGHT LIVING WITH CHILD IN HARTSHILL, STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a troubling development in Stoke-on-Trent, Peter Hodgson, a convicted sex offender from Hartshill, was found to be residing in the same household as a child without informing authorities, breaching strict legal conditions.

Hodgson, aged 57, has a criminal history that dates back to 1997 when he was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of two separate counts of indecent assault involving a young girl. Following his conviction, he was placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely, a legal requirement that imposes numerous restrictions and obligations. Among these is the duty to notify police within three days if he plans to live with a child for 12 hours or more.

Despite these legal obligations, Hodgson failed to disclose that a child related to his partner had been living with him for approximately a year. This omission came to light during a police visit to his residence. On April 8, 2020, Hodgson completed his annual registration, but he did not report any change in his circumstances.

It was during an unannounced police visit on October 11 at 10:10 a.m. that officers discovered a child present at Hodgson’s address on Stoke Old Road, Hartshill. The police found the child in the home, which was a clear violation of the conditions attached to Hodgson’s sex offender status.

In his police interview following the discovery, Hodgson admitted to the officers that he had 'buried his head in the sand,' acknowledging his failure to comply with the notification requirements. He subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge of failing to inform authorities about the presence of a child in his residence.

At Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Hodgson was sentenced to an 18-month community order. The court heard that Hodgson is currently employed, and as part of his sentence, he is required to undertake a 25-day rehabilitation activity program. Additionally, he will be subject to a three-month electronically monitored curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Scott Ashdown, representing Hodgson, highlighted that the defendant is engaged in employment, which was considered during sentencing. The case underscores the ongoing challenges and legal responsibilities faced by convicted sex offenders in adhering to strict supervision and notification protocols.