DEREK ROSS HODDER BRIXXHAM MARTIAL ARTS COACH GUILTY OF 30-YEAR SEX ABUSE CAMPAIGN
| Red Rose Database
Brixham Rapist
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Brixham, Derek Ross Hodder, a martial arts instructor, has been convicted of a prolonged and disturbing campaign of sexual abuse spanning over three decades. The allegations against Hodder, who was known locally for his involvement in the martial arts scene, revealed a pattern of grooming, manipulation, and exploitation directed at young girls attending his club.
Hodder, aged 65 and residing at Garlic Rea in Brixham, was found guilty after a lengthy trial at Exeter Crown Court. The court heard that he had raped and indecently assaulted nine girls, whose ages ranged from just 10 to 17 at the time of the abuse. The offences, which took place between 1986 and 2018, included a series of acts that began with seemingly innocent massages and escalated to sexual acts at his home, his Renault Laguna car, or the back of his van.
The trial, which lasted over seven weeks, concluded with the jury deliberating for more than 12 hours before reaching a verdict. Hodder was convicted of 33 out of 37 charges, including rape, indecent assault, sexual activity with a child, and indecency with a child. Meanwhile, a second defendant, Leslie Coldrick, aged 68 from Paignton, was acquitted of two counts of rape and one of indecency with a child and was released without further charges.
Throughout the proceedings, Hodder maintained his innocence, claiming that his victims were fantasists who fabricated their stories. He admitted to having consensual sex with three of the girls when they were 16, 17, and 18 years old. The police investigation was initiated in 2018 after a 17-year-old girl reported that Hodder had raped her. Subsequently, eight more women came forward, sharing similar accounts of abuse.
Many of Hodder’s victims recounted how they initially came into contact with him through his martial arts club. Several described how the abuse began with massages or Shiatsu sessions, which later became sexual when he removed their clothing. One woman recalled how Hodder had given her cannabis and boasted about his massage skills, but she felt uncomfortable as his hands wandered. She believed it was an 'adult thing' at the time, but later realized she had been groomed.
Another victim, who was just 13 when Hodder complimented her on her appearance, explained how their relationship became sexual when she was 14. She now recognizes that she was manipulated, although at the time, Hodder’s behavior seemed 'normal.'
One young girl, who attended his martial arts club, recounted how Hodder touched her breasts when she was 15 and told her she need not be ashamed of enjoying it. Several other women described Hodder as controlling, with some saying he had a 'hold' over them. Witnesses also reported that he would sulk if he did not receive enough attention and would boast about his toughness and the fear he instilled in others.
The case was complicated by health issues faced by Hodder, who suffered from ill-health during the trial. A previous trial in 2021 was halted after he experienced heart problems, and similar issues caused delays during this case as he received medical treatment in hospital. Despite these setbacks, the court proceeded with the case, and Judge Timothy Rose expressed his gratitude to the jury for their dedication.
Judge Rose stated that Hodder would face imprisonment when sentenced in July, emphasizing that he had no intention of granting bail due to concerns over his reaction to the verdicts. The judge also noted that Hodder’s pattern of behavior indicated a disturbing tendency to move from one victim to another, often using his martial arts club as a means to gain access and manipulate young girls. Hodder’s actions have left a lasting impact on his victims, many of whom are now adults reflecting on their experiences with a mixture of relief and trauma.
Hodder, aged 65 and residing at Garlic Rea in Brixham, was found guilty after a lengthy trial at Exeter Crown Court. The court heard that he had raped and indecently assaulted nine girls, whose ages ranged from just 10 to 17 at the time of the abuse. The offences, which took place between 1986 and 2018, included a series of acts that began with seemingly innocent massages and escalated to sexual acts at his home, his Renault Laguna car, or the back of his van.
The trial, which lasted over seven weeks, concluded with the jury deliberating for more than 12 hours before reaching a verdict. Hodder was convicted of 33 out of 37 charges, including rape, indecent assault, sexual activity with a child, and indecency with a child. Meanwhile, a second defendant, Leslie Coldrick, aged 68 from Paignton, was acquitted of two counts of rape and one of indecency with a child and was released without further charges.
Throughout the proceedings, Hodder maintained his innocence, claiming that his victims were fantasists who fabricated their stories. He admitted to having consensual sex with three of the girls when they were 16, 17, and 18 years old. The police investigation was initiated in 2018 after a 17-year-old girl reported that Hodder had raped her. Subsequently, eight more women came forward, sharing similar accounts of abuse.
Many of Hodder’s victims recounted how they initially came into contact with him through his martial arts club. Several described how the abuse began with massages or Shiatsu sessions, which later became sexual when he removed their clothing. One woman recalled how Hodder had given her cannabis and boasted about his massage skills, but she felt uncomfortable as his hands wandered. She believed it was an 'adult thing' at the time, but later realized she had been groomed.
Another victim, who was just 13 when Hodder complimented her on her appearance, explained how their relationship became sexual when she was 14. She now recognizes that she was manipulated, although at the time, Hodder’s behavior seemed 'normal.'
One young girl, who attended his martial arts club, recounted how Hodder touched her breasts when she was 15 and told her she need not be ashamed of enjoying it. Several other women described Hodder as controlling, with some saying he had a 'hold' over them. Witnesses also reported that he would sulk if he did not receive enough attention and would boast about his toughness and the fear he instilled in others.
The case was complicated by health issues faced by Hodder, who suffered from ill-health during the trial. A previous trial in 2021 was halted after he experienced heart problems, and similar issues caused delays during this case as he received medical treatment in hospital. Despite these setbacks, the court proceeded with the case, and Judge Timothy Rose expressed his gratitude to the jury for their dedication.
Judge Rose stated that Hodder would face imprisonment when sentenced in July, emphasizing that he had no intention of granting bail due to concerns over his reaction to the verdicts. The judge also noted that Hodder’s pattern of behavior indicated a disturbing tendency to move from one victim to another, often using his martial arts club as a means to gain access and manipulate young girls. Hodder’s actions have left a lasting impact on his victims, many of whom are now adults reflecting on their experiences with a mixture of relief and trauma.