CHARLES HODGSON'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN BURNLEY AND BISPHAM REVEALED

In a series of disturbing incidents spanning several years, Charles Hodgson, a man with a troubling criminal history, has been linked to multiple serious sexual offenses in Burnley and Bispham. His actions have not only caused immense harm to his victims but have also raised significant concerns about the safety and oversight of known sex offenders within these communities.

Hodgson, who is currently 25 years old and residing at Edmonton Place in Bispham, was previously convicted of heinous crimes involving minors. His criminal record includes a conviction for raping a boy under the age of 16, as well as three separate charges of sexually assaulting a boy under 13. Despite being under a court-imposed Sex Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) that explicitly prohibited him from associating with children under 16, Hodgson was caught breaching this order on multiple occasions.

The police observed Hodgson in the company of two young boys, aged 13 and 14, in Blackpool. The boys had approached Hodgson, offering to demonstrate magic tricks, which led to him engaging in conversation with them. This interaction was particularly alarming given Hodgson’s known criminal background and the restrictions placed upon him. The authorities quickly responded by arresting Hodgson, who subsequently pleaded guilty to breaching the SOPO. He was granted bail by Blackpool magistrates, with the condition that he remains at his residence until his sentencing scheduled for December 20 at Preston Crown Court.

Historical context reveals that Hodgson’s criminal activities date back to at least November 2013, when he was placed on a SOPO and registered as a sex offender following a conviction for sexual offenses against minors. The court records show that Hodgson’s pattern of offending persisted, with further incidents reported in Burnley and Bispham. On November 17, 2017, Hodgson was again seen in contact with boys under 16 in Blackpool, raising ongoing concerns about his compliance with legal restrictions.

Earlier, in April 2013, Hodgson, then aged 21, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for a series of sexual assaults committed against a schoolboy in Burnley. During the sentencing at Preston Crown Court, Judge Christopher Cornwall expressed his deep concern, stating that he had been haunted by the face of the young victim. The judge described the case as extremely worrying and emphasized the lasting impact on the victim, who struggled to come to terms with what had happened. Hodgson had denied the charges, which included sexual assault, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and rape. However, the jury found him guilty after a trial.

The court heard that Hodgson had sexually assaulted the young boy, coerced him into participating in sex acts, and ultimately raped him at a residence in Burnley. The victim’s impact statement revealed the profound emotional trauma he experienced, describing feelings of fear and helplessness. The boy expressed frustration at the court proceedings, feeling that Hodgson was trying to portray him as a liar. The court also noted that Hodgson had instructed the boy to keep what had happened a secret, but the victim confided in two female friends, leading to police involvement.

Hodgson’s defense argued that he was unsophisticated and immature for his age, but the court upheld the conviction. As part of his sentence, Hodgson was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subject to a five-year sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with any child under 16.

Further back, in February 2013, Hodgson was involved in another disturbing incident in Burnley. He was accused of raping a schoolboy during an alcohol-fueled attack at a house. The victim, who was 20 at the time, was reportedly frightened and coerced into participating in sexual acts, including being raped. The incident was reported after the boy confided in friends and his teacher, leading to police investigations. Hodgson, then 20, denied the allegations but was found guilty after a four-day trial at Burnley Crown Court. The court heard how Hodgson had been drinking heavily before the assault and had warned the victim not to tell anyone.

During the trial, prosecutors detailed how Hodgson had asked the boy if he wanted to masturbate with him and performed oral sex on him, despite the boy’s protests. Hodgson’s actions culminated in a rape, which the victim tried to resist. Hodgson’s arrest followed, and he was remanded in custody pending sentencing, with a judge indicating that a lengthy prison term was inevitable given the severity of his crimes.

Throughout these incidents, Hodgson’s pattern of exploiting vulnerable minors and violating court orders has underscored the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and community safety initiatives. His case remains a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant monitoring and strict enforcement of restrictions placed on convicted sex offenders to prevent further harm to innocent victims.