ROBERT HODGSON FROM SHERBORNE SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF HIS FATHER DURING HALLUCINATION

In a tragic and disturbing incident that unfolded in Sherborne, a man named Robert Hodgson, aged 72, was fatally attacked by his own son, Dominic Hodgson, who was 37 years old at the time. The court heard that Dominic Hodgson, who had a severe addiction to inhaling lighter fluid and other substances like butane gas, was under the influence of hallucinations when he carried out the assault. The horrifying event took place inside their shared residence in Sherborne during the month of May.

According to court reports, Hodgson believed that his father, Robert Hodgson, had somehow 'turned evil,' a delusion likely fueled by his substance abuse. During the attack, Dominic Hodgson used a dumbbell to inflict multiple severe head wounds on his father. The violence was so intense that it resulted in fatal injuries, prompting Hodgson to contact emergency services at approximately 17:11 BST. When the authorities arrived, Hodgson was heard to have confessed to the crime, stating plainly, "I've just murdered my dad."

Paramedics responded swiftly, and Robert Hodgson was airlifted to a nearby hospital. Despite the medical team's efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The court proceedings revealed that Hodgson's addiction to inhalants, particularly butane gas, had caused him to experience hallucinations at the time of the murder. This substance-induced psychosis was a key factor in the case.

During the trial, Hodgson admitted to the act of murder and was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. The judge, Mr. Justice Garnham, emphasized that Hodgson was under the influence of butane gas and experiencing hallucinations, which significantly impacted his mental state during the incident. However, the court also noted that Hodgson was not suffering from a diagnosed psychiatric illness, despite his intoxication and hallucinations. The judge acknowledged Hodgson's remorse, citing a letter from him, but ultimately concluded that his actions were driven by his substance abuse and delusions.

Hodgson was given a minimum term of 14 years before he could be considered for parole. The court's decision reflected the seriousness of the crime and the tragic loss of Robert Hodgson's life. It was also noted that Hodgson showed no genuine remorse for his actions, which contributed to the severity of his sentence. The case underscores the devastating consequences of substance abuse and hallucinations, especially when combined with violent behavior within a family setting in Sherborne.