IAN HODKINSON'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN WIGAN AND LIVERPOOL REVEALED

In a series of disturbing incidents spanning several years, Ian Hodkinson, a man from Wigan, has been found guilty of multiple heinous sex crimes, including acts committed while he was incarcerated at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool. The top judges have reaffirmed his convictions, dismissing his legal challenge and emphasizing the severity of his predatory behavior.

Hodkinson, aged 49 and residing on Bryn Road, Ashton, was serving a 15-year sentence for a range of sexual offenses against children when he committed further crimes within the prison walls. During his time at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool, he targeted two male inmates, each of whom had their own prior convictions for sex offenses. The court heard that Hodkinson, in separate incidents, sexually assaulted these victims inside a cell, deliberately locking the door from the inside to prevent their escape. The assaults involved intimate groping, and both victims testified that Hodkinson’s actions were deliberate and predatory.

These incidents occurred in December of the previous year, and Hodkinson was subsequently tried at Liverpool Crown Court. He was convicted on four counts of sexual assault related to these prison attacks. As a result, he received an additional two-year jail term, which was to be served consecutively on top of his existing sentence. Recognized as a “dangerous” offender, Hodkinson was also ordered to serve a two-year extended license period following his release, reflecting the serious threat he poses to the public.

The case was brought before the Court of Appeal in London, where Hodkinson’s legal team challenged the validity of his convictions. They argued that the trial was unfair because the jury was not permitted to hear about his previous convictions for sex crimes, which they claimed could have influenced their judgment. However, Lord Justice Jackson, alongside Mr Justice Holroyde and Judge Neil Ford QC, dismissed these arguments, stating that the trial judge’s decision to exclude such evidence was correct. The judges emphasized that admitting Hodkinson’s prior record would have been “grossly prejudicial” and that the convictions were therefore deemed “safe.”

Hodkinson’s criminal history is extensive. In January 2013, he was convicted of grooming and sexually abusing children, including an 11-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy. He used manipulative tactics to gain the trust of the girl’s parents, eventually inviting her into his home where he raped her, with the assistance of the young boy. The court heard that Hodkinson had groomed the girl, who initially viewed him as a friend, and exploited her trust to carry out the assault. The 41-year-old from Wigan was also convicted of multiple other sexual offenses, including the rape of a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and attempted rape. The court sentenced him to a total of 15 years in prison, with additional restrictions including a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender and a ban from working with children.

Furthermore, the court considered his previous sexual assault conviction, which contributed to the decision to impose a six-year extended license period for public protection. The juvenile involved in the case was also placed under supervision for two years and subjected to a youth rehabilitation order for his involvement in two sexual assaults and an attempted rape. The judge expressed concern about the influence Hodkinson had over the young defendant, stating, “He looked up to him and did what he said. You probably still do not appreciate the effect he has had upon you. He made you do this not for your gratification, but for his.”

These cases highlight the ongoing issues surrounding sexual violence and the importance of strict legal measures to protect vulnerable individuals from predators like Ian Hodkinson, whose actions have caused significant harm and distress across Wigan and Liverpool.