FREDERICK HODDER FROM BRIDPORT AND YEOVIL ESCAPES JAIL AFTER ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Bridport and Yeovil, 75-year-old Frederick Anthony Roy Hodder, a man with a disturbing history of sexual offenses, has been spared immediate imprisonment after admitting to multiple counts of indecent assault against young girls during the 1970s and 1980s. Hodder, who is currently residing in sheltered accommodation in Yeovil, was found guilty of abusing a girl when she was under 13 years old, as well as when she was between 13 and 15 years old. The crimes took place in Bridport, a seaside town in Dorset, during a period spanning over several years.

According to the court proceedings, the abuse was not a one-time event but occurred repeatedly, approximately once or twice each month. Prosecutor Megan Topliss detailed the profound and lasting impact these acts had on the victim’s life, emphasizing that the trauma inflicted by Hodder’s actions has had a 'substantial' effect on her well-being and future.

Hodder’s criminal history includes a previous conviction in 2000 for similar offenses committed against a different girl, which also related to the same general timeframe. This prior conviction underscores a pattern of predatory behavior that has persisted over decades.

During the hearing at Dorchester Crown Court, the defense, represented by John Dyer, argued that Hodder’s understanding of the gravity of his actions was limited, suggesting that he did not fully grasp the seriousness of his offenses. The court was also informed that the decision to avoid jail was influenced by considerations of Hodder’s personal circumstances, particularly the health of his wife, who is reportedly ill. The judge acknowledged the complexity of the case, noting that sentencing guidelines at the time of the offenses were different from current standards. Judge Roger Jarvis remarked that had the crimes been committed today, the punishment would likely have been much more severe, reflecting a shift in societal and legal attitudes towards such offenses.

Judge Jarvis explained that the cost and practicality of incarcerating Hodder, given the significant care his wife requires, played a role in the decision to impose a probation order rather than a custodial sentence. He described the choice as a 'very difficult decision,' emphasizing the importance of balancing justice with compassion.

As part of his sentence, Hodder was placed on a three-year probation order and ordered to participate in the Thames Valley Sex Offender Programme for 60 days. The judge highlighted that this program aims to help Hodder gain a better understanding of the harm caused by his actions and the devastating impact on his victims. In his remarks, Judge Jarvis reminded Hodder that the victims’ statements revealed how childhood abuse can cast a long shadow over their entire lives, and he urged Hodder to recognize the gravity of his misconduct and its lifelong consequences.