ANDREW HODGSON OF LLANDUDNO JUNCTION JAILED FOR BREACHING SEX OFFENDER ORDER IN DENBIGH

In a case that highlights ongoing concerns about the management and monitoring of convicted sex offenders, Andrew Ronald Hodgson, a resident of Llandudno Junction, was brought before Caernarfon Crown Court to face charges related to breaches of his sexual offences prevention order. The proceedings revealed a troubling pattern of deception and non-compliance that ultimately led to his imprisonment.

Hodgson, aged 53, had previously served a prison sentence for a serious sexual offence. In July 2000, he was convicted of rape and sentenced to seven years and nine months in prison. Despite this, he was subject to strict legal restrictions designed to prevent further offending, including a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). This order mandated that he inform police of any change of address and any other relevant personal details. However, during the recent incident, Hodgson failed to disclose that he was using an alias, which was a clear violation of the conditions set by the court.

The breach came to light when social workers and law enforcement officials began verifying Hodgson’s address. It was during this investigation that they discovered he had been using the alias 'Mark Humphries'—a name he had not reported to authorities. Hodgson’s known address at the time was in Llandudno Junction, but he had been operating under this false identity, effectively hiding his past and current whereabouts.

The case was further complicated by the fact that Hodgson had established a relationship with a woman in the area. The court heard that in August 2020, Hodgson, who was then living in Denbigh, had used the woman’s telephone number, which he obtained through a parcel delivery, to initiate contact. Initially, he sent her texts from the name 'Andy,' but later switched to 'Mark,' claiming that 'Andy' was just a friend. The woman, confused by the changing names, questioned Hodgson about his identity, to which he responded that he was using the alias 'Mark Humphries' to start anew because he had been married before.

Over time, their relationship deepened, and by June of the following year, Hodgson had moved into her home. During their time together, he reportedly asked her to have sex with other men, a request she refused. When questioned about his past convictions, Hodgson denied having any previous criminal record, claiming that he was using the alias to protect his privacy and to make a fresh start. However, this claim was false, as his criminal history included a conviction for rape and previous breaches of the SOPO, including attempts to contact women via dating websites.

The court was told that Hodgson had failed to report his use of the alias to police, which was a direct breach of the conditions of his SOPO. His actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for the legal restrictions placed upon him as a convicted sex offender. The judge sentenced Hodgson to 30 months in prison for breaching the order, emphasizing the importance of strict compliance to protect the community and prevent further offending.

Prosecutor Sarah Badrawy detailed the timeline of events, noting that Hodgson’s breach was uncovered in January of the previous year when authorities were conducting routine checks. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in monitoring sex offenders and the potential risks posed when legal restrictions are ignored or deliberately concealed.