DOMINIC HODGSON FROM SHERBORNE SENTENCED TO LIFE AFTER FATAL ATTACK ON FATHER WITH DUMBBELL

In a tragic and disturbing incident that unfolded at their shared home in Sherborne, Dorset, a man suffering from severe substance abuse issues caused a devastating injury that ultimately led to his father’s death. The events took a dark turn when Dominic Hodgson, aged 37, inflicted fatal head wounds on his 72-year-old father, Robert Hodgson, using a dumbbell. The court proceedings revealed that Hodgson believed his father had 'turned evil,' which appeared to be a manifestation of his ongoing struggles with substance abuse and hallucinations.

It was disclosed during the trial that Hodgson had a significant addiction to inhaling butane gas, which is known to cause hallucinations and altered mental states. This addiction was a critical factor in the events that transpired. On the day of the incident, Hodgson called emergency services at approximately 17:11 BST on May 21, appearing highly agitated. During the call, he shockingly admitted, 'I've just murdered my dad.'

Emergency responders arrived promptly after the call, and medical teams worked tirelessly to save Robert Hodgson. He was airlifted to a hospital for urgent treatment, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The court heard that the attack was brutal and unprovoked, with Hodgson’s mental state at the time being a focal point of the case.

Hodgson was charged with murder, and during the court proceedings, he admitted to the crime. The judge, Mr. Justice Garnham, sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years. In his sentencing remarks, the judge acknowledged Hodgson’s genuine remorse for his actions. Importantly, the court clarified that Hodgson was not suffering from a psychiatric illness at the time of the attack. Instead, the judge emphasized that Hodgson was intoxicated with butane gas, which led to hallucinations and impaired judgment during the incident.