RUSSELL HODGSON FROM BOXTED SENTENCED FOR INDECENT IMAGES JUST WEEKS AFTER FATHER'S JAIL

In a recent development in the ongoing investigation into child exploitation, Russell Hodgson, aged 34 and residing in Boxted, has been sentenced for possessing indecent images of children. This case emerged just weeks after his father, known as a convicted paedophile, was incarcerated for multiple sex offences.

Police officers conducted a search of Hodgson’s residence at Cross Cottages, Boxted, in November of the previous year. During this search, a number of electronic devices were seized, including a mobile phone that contained 13 images classified as Category C, which indicates a lower but still concerning level of indecency. Prosecutor Hendrika Yatam, appearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, stated that Hodgson claimed he was unaware that the images on his phone were indecent.

Hendrika Yatam explained that during police interviews, Hodgson insisted that the pictures he possessed were of “pretty girls” and expressed his ignorance regarding their indecent nature. The images included photographs of young girls, some as young as three or four years old, depicted while asleep and unclothed. Other images showed children aged between 12 and 14 years, either naked or dressed in underwear. The court was informed that Hodgson did not have any relevant previous convictions of a similar nature and was considered a man of good character prior to this incident.

In light of the evidence, the court considered the imposition of a sexual harm prevention order, which is designed to restrict future offending and protect the public. Hodgson’s defence, represented by Raph Pigott, highlighted that Hodgson was undergoing treatment for severe depression and was a troubled individual.

During the sentencing hearing, the case of Hodgson’s father, Colin Hodgson, was brought into focus. Colin Hodgson, aged 61 and residing on Newman Drive in Boxted, had recently been sentenced to seven years in prison after admitting to five counts of sexual assault on a child under the age of 13. The court emphasized the importance of distinguishing between father and son, noting that the devices linked to Colin Hodgson contained tens of thousands of images and videos, many of which were classified as Category A, the most serious category of child abuse material. Police investigations revealed that Colin Hodgson had also taken explicit photographs of himself abusing a child.

In response to the case, magistrates sentenced Russell Hodgson to a community order, requiring him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was mandated to participate in 50 days of rehabilitation programs. A five-year sexual harm prevention order was also imposed, restricting Hodgson’s activities and contact with minors. The authorities confirmed that Colin Hodgson had shown no remorse for his actions, which further underscores the severity of the case and the ongoing concerns about child exploitation within the community of Boxted.