EDWARD HOPSON FROM GRIMSBY SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS FOR GROOMING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In December 2010, Edward Hopson, a known sex offender residing in Grimsby, was sentenced to three years in prison after admitting to inciting a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity with him. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing history of sexual offenses dating back to 1965, including charges of indecent assault and attempted rape, highlighting Hopson's long-standing pattern of predatory behavior.

At the time of his arrest, Hopson, aged 61 and living on Torrington Street, was facing trial for similar allegations. However, he chose to plead guilty on the day the trial was scheduled to commence, thereby avoiding a court confrontation. The case was heard at Grimsby Crown Court, where it was detailed that Hopson had engaged in grooming the young girl over a period of time.

Prosecutor Mark Kendall outlined that when the girl was only 13 years old, Hopson took her to Pleasure Island in Cleethorpes. During these visits, he made inappropriate comments about his own genitalia, referring to it as 'his little friend,' and would often give her money, further manipulating her into a false sense of trust and dependency. These actions were part of a pattern of grooming that spanned over the years.

The incident that led to his conviction occurred on August 20 of the previous year. The girl, attempting a long-distance cycling trip from Hull to Skegness without realizing the actual distance involved, called Hopson from Killingholme to ask for a lift. During the journey to Grimsby, Hopson pulled into a lay-by and asked her to have sex with him. The girl refused, and he subsequently drove her to Grimsby Bus Station. Hopson's actions were exposed when her brothers questioned her about the money she had been receiving, leading to her disclosure of the incident.

Defense lawyer Richard Butters described Hopson as a self-employed renovator who had made a 'stupid, impulsive comment' that he deeply regrets. The lawyer also emphasized that Hopson had been free of trouble for the past 16 years and had the support of his partner. Despite these mitigating factors, the court sentenced Hopson to three years in prison, with the stipulation that he will serve half of this term on licence. Additionally, he received an extension of three years on his sentence, an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, and was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the court's concern for public safety.