JAMES HODGETTS FROM EDGBASTON SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR ABUSING 10-YEAR-OLD BOY IN WOLVERHAMPTON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, James Hodgetts, a 28-year-old man from Edgbaston, has been sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of indecently assaulting a 10-year-old boy. The incident took place in Wolverhampton, where Hodgetts deliberately targeted the young victim as he was walking home from school.

According to court proceedings, Hodgetts spotted the boy in a street in Sandwell and engaged him in conversation, chatting for approximately ten minutes. During this time, he accompanied the child as they walked together, pausing at one point when the boy entered a pizza parlour to collect a takeaway order on September 20 of the previous year. CCTV footage captured the two suddenly changing their route, veering away from the boy’s usual path home and heading towards a flat where Hodgetts’s grandmother resides.

Once inside the building and out of public view, Hodgetts committed the assault. Prosecutor Mr. Nigel Stelling revealed that Hodgetts pulled down the boy’s trousers and pants, then indecently assaulted him. The attack lasted only a few minutes, but it was interrupted when the confused victim, summoning courage, pleaded with Hodgetts to stop. During this brief assault, Hodgetts handed the boy £5, an act that added to the disturbing nature of the case.

The young victim did not disclose what had happened until the following day at school, which prompted school staff to launch an investigation. The police were subsequently alerted, leading to Hodgetts’s arrest. It was revealed that Hodgetts had previously served an 18-month sentence in July 2015 for sexually assaulting a boy under 13, in a case that bore striking similarities to the current one.

Hodgetts, who was brought up by his grandmother, admitted to the charges of sexually assaulting a child under 13 and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that had been imposed following his earlier conviction. His sentencing included a six-year prison term, along with an additional six years of extended supervision upon release, reflecting the serious concern over his potential for further harm.

Judge Michael Challinor addressed the court, emphasizing the danger Hodgetts posed. He stated, “This was a clear case of abduction. There is no difference as far as parents are concerned if the injured party is taken into a doorway or driven off in a car. He was only 10 and I am satisfied you targeted and groomed him. This sentence is for the protection of the public.” The judge further explained that Hodgetts must remain confined until the parole board deems him safe to re-enter society, with a six-year extension to his license.

Additionally, Hodgetts was subjected to a new Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will remain in effect for ten years, underscoring the ongoing concern for public safety and the protection of children from potential future offenses.