CHRISTOPHER HODGEN CAUGHT IN BELFAST AND PORTSTEWART WITH HIDDEN CAMERAS AND SPY GLASSES
In a series of disturbing incidents spanning from July 2019 to June 2021, Christopher Hodgen, a pensioner from Belfast, was involved in activities that have shocked the local communities and prompted serious legal action.The case highlights the dangers posed by individuals using covert devices to invade the privacy of innocent children and the vigilance of members of the public in reporting suspicious behavior.
On July 27, 2019, police officers responded to a call from a concerned member of the public in the Crescent area of Portstewart.
The individual had observed suspicious activity involving a man who appeared to be using a covert camera device.
This incident was part of a broader investigation into Hodgen’s activities, which later revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior involving the use of hidden recording equipment near children.
Fast forward to the summer of 2021, and Hodgen, aged 66 at the time, was brought before Newry Crown Court to face serious charges.
The court heard that he was found in possession of more than 300 indecent images of children, a revelation that came after authorities uncovered a cache of illicit material stored on his devices.
Despite being convicted by a jury, Hodgen continues to maintain his innocence regarding the 19 charges related to the possession of these indecent images.
Further details emerged from the court proceedings, revealing that Hodgen was caught in Portstewart with a pair of covert 'spy glasses'—a device designed to record images discreetly.
The incident took place in July 2021, when Hodgen was reportedly in the seaside town attending a Hugo Duncan show.
He was spotted near a semi-naked three-year-old boy who was in the process of changing clothes, with the child’s mother present nearby.
A vigilant witness observed Hodgen pressing buttons on the glasses, which had audio and video recording capabilities, and activated a red light indicating operation.
The court was shown the glasses used by Hodgen, and evidence indicated that he had purchased the device just a day before the incident, on July 26.
Hodgen was questioned by police but chose not to comment on the purpose of the glasses or his actions during the incident.
When asked if there was an innocent explanation, he remained silent, a decision that the prosecution argued reflected guilt.
The police investigation also revealed that Hodgen had traveled to Portstewart specifically with the intent to record, armed with a device that was described as fairly surreptitious in design.
Hodgen’s legal team argued that the facts of the case were not in dispute, but the court was told that the defendant had no valid explanation for his actions.
The judge, District Judge Peter King, emphasized that Hodgen had been given multiple opportunities to explain himself but chose silence, which could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
The evidence presented was deemed compelling, and the case against Hodgen was considered strong.
In addition to the charges related to the covert filming, Hodgen’s criminal record was noted, indicating prior convictions.
The court adjourned sentencing until December to allow for a pre-sentence report, but in the meantime, Hodgen was ordered to register as a sex offender.
The length of time he would remain on the Sex Offenders Register will be determined at a later date.
The judge commended the public witness whose vigilance led to the police investigation, ultimately resulting in Hodgen’s conviction for both the possession of indecent images and the use of covert recording devices near children.
This case underscores the importance of community awareness and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
