LEE HODGINS FROM ECCLES SALFORD SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Eccles in Salford, Lee Hodgins, aged 45, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for the heinous crimes committed against a young girl. The offences, which spanned several years, involved a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse that began when the victim was under the age of 12.

According to reports from Greater Manchester Police, Hodgins initiated his assault on the girl in the Eccles area of Salford. The abuse started with inappropriate sexual conduct and tragically escalated to rape, with Hodgins raping the young girl twice during the 1990s. The severity and duration of his crimes highlight a deeply troubling case of predatory behavior.

The victim, who endured years of suffering in silence, finally decided to come forward in 2016. Her courage prompted GMP to launch a comprehensive investigation into her allegations. Following the investigation, Hodgins, who resides on Walker Road in Eccles, was formally charged with four counts of incident assault and two counts of rape. Despite the serious nature of the charges, Hodgins chose not to admit guilt, instead opting to contest the allegations in court.

The trial took place at Manchester Crown Court, where Hodgins faced the ordeal of giving evidence. The court proceedings revealed the extent of his crimes, and on March 12, he was found guilty of the charges. His conviction led to his sentencing the following week, marking a significant moment of justice for the victim.

It is also noteworthy that Hodgins faced a separate trial on a charge of witness intimidation. However, he was acquitted of this additional allegation, allowing the focus to remain on his conviction for the sexual offenses. The case underscores the importance of perseverance and bravery in seeking justice for victims of abuse, and it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by predators within communities.