KEYNSHAM PENSIONER MICHAEL HODGSON CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN SHOCKING CASE
| Red Rose Database
Keynsham Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Keynsham, Michael Hodgson, a 66-year-old retiree residing in Lilac Court, found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation involving the possession of indecent images of children. The incident came to light in April 2009 when police, acting on intelligence related to internet child abuse, conducted a raid on Hodgson’s residence.
During the search, law enforcement officers seized Hodgson’s computer along with several memory sticks. A thorough examination of these devices revealed a horrifying collection of over 3,400 indecent images depicting children being abused. The images ranged in severity, with approximately one-third classified as the more serious level four and five images, indicating a high degree of exploitation and harm.
Hodgson was promptly arrested and taken into custody. During police interviews, he admitted to having a “morbid fascination” with viewing such images, which he claimed was driven by boredom and curiosity. He also explained that he saved the images onto memory sticks because of an obsession with data collection, a justification that did little to mitigate the severity of his actions.
Following his arrest, Hodgson pleaded guilty to 21 charges of possessing indecent images of children. His case was brought before Bristol Crown Court, where the prosecution, led by Eric Waley, detailed the extent of the material found and the implications of Hodgson’s actions.
In sentencing, Judge Michael Longman emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “By viewing images you perpetuate the abuse, which is real abuse.” Recognizing the importance of rehabilitation and public safety, the judge handed Hodgson a three-year community order. This order includes supervision requirements and mandates that Hodgson attend a specialized treatment program aimed at addressing his behavior.
Additionally, Hodgson was ordered to pay £200 in prosecution costs and will be registered as a sex offender for a period of five years. The case has raised concerns about the ongoing threat posed by individuals who access and collect such harmful material, even if they do not directly commit abuse themselves. The community of Keynsham remains vigilant as authorities continue efforts to combat internet-based child exploitation.
During the search, law enforcement officers seized Hodgson’s computer along with several memory sticks. A thorough examination of these devices revealed a horrifying collection of over 3,400 indecent images depicting children being abused. The images ranged in severity, with approximately one-third classified as the more serious level four and five images, indicating a high degree of exploitation and harm.
Hodgson was promptly arrested and taken into custody. During police interviews, he admitted to having a “morbid fascination” with viewing such images, which he claimed was driven by boredom and curiosity. He also explained that he saved the images onto memory sticks because of an obsession with data collection, a justification that did little to mitigate the severity of his actions.
Following his arrest, Hodgson pleaded guilty to 21 charges of possessing indecent images of children. His case was brought before Bristol Crown Court, where the prosecution, led by Eric Waley, detailed the extent of the material found and the implications of Hodgson’s actions.
In sentencing, Judge Michael Longman emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “By viewing images you perpetuate the abuse, which is real abuse.” Recognizing the importance of rehabilitation and public safety, the judge handed Hodgson a three-year community order. This order includes supervision requirements and mandates that Hodgson attend a specialized treatment program aimed at addressing his behavior.
Additionally, Hodgson was ordered to pay £200 in prosecution costs and will be registered as a sex offender for a period of five years. The case has raised concerns about the ongoing threat posed by individuals who access and collect such harmful material, even if they do not directly commit abuse themselves. The community of Keynsham remains vigilant as authorities continue efforts to combat internet-based child exploitation.