MICHAEL HODGSON CAUGHT IN NEWTON AYCLIFFE BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS IN SHOCKING ONLINE PREDATION CASE
| Red Rose Database
Newton Aycliffe Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Newton Aycliffe, Durham, Michael Hodgson, a 23-year-old man from Morrison Close, Woodham, was caught engaging in explicit online conversations with what he believed was a 15-year-old girl. The incident unfolded in the early hours of July 16, 2020, when Hodgson initiated a chat with a profile he thought belonged to a teenager named ‘Chelsea’.
What appeared initially as a seemingly innocent online exchange quickly took a darker turn as Hodgson began to send a series of explicit messages. He expressed a desire to engage in sexual activities with the girl, detailing what he would like to do to her and encouraging her to participate in sexual acts. The conversation, which was monitored by the Guardians of the North, a well-known paedophile-hunting group, revealed the extent of Hodgson’s intentions.
It was later revealed that there was no girl named Chelsea. Instead, Hodgson had been communicating with a member of the vigilante group who had set up a fake profile to lure potential offenders. This sting operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat online child exploitation and to bring predators to justice.
Hodgson’s case was brought before Durham Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. The court heard that there were clear elements of grooming involved in his actions. The judge noted that the conversation had become increasingly sexualized and expressed concern that Hodgson’s ultimate goal was to meet what he believed was a minor in order to commit serious sexual offences.
In sentencing, the judge imposed a two-year prison term, emphasizing that the severity of the crime was such that it could not be suspended. Additionally, Hodgson was ordered to adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for seven years and was required to register as a sex offender for a decade. These measures reflect the serious nature of his offending and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
Community members and authorities alike have expressed their concern over the case, highlighting the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in protecting vulnerable children from online predators. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in digital spaces and the critical role of groups like Guardians of the North in safeguarding young people from exploitation.
What appeared initially as a seemingly innocent online exchange quickly took a darker turn as Hodgson began to send a series of explicit messages. He expressed a desire to engage in sexual activities with the girl, detailing what he would like to do to her and encouraging her to participate in sexual acts. The conversation, which was monitored by the Guardians of the North, a well-known paedophile-hunting group, revealed the extent of Hodgson’s intentions.
It was later revealed that there was no girl named Chelsea. Instead, Hodgson had been communicating with a member of the vigilante group who had set up a fake profile to lure potential offenders. This sting operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat online child exploitation and to bring predators to justice.
Hodgson’s case was brought before Durham Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. The court heard that there were clear elements of grooming involved in his actions. The judge noted that the conversation had become increasingly sexualized and expressed concern that Hodgson’s ultimate goal was to meet what he believed was a minor in order to commit serious sexual offences.
In sentencing, the judge imposed a two-year prison term, emphasizing that the severity of the crime was such that it could not be suspended. Additionally, Hodgson was ordered to adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for seven years and was required to register as a sex offender for a decade. These measures reflect the serious nature of his offending and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
Community members and authorities alike have expressed their concern over the case, highlighting the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in protecting vulnerable children from online predators. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in digital spaces and the critical role of groups like Guardians of the North in safeguarding young people from exploitation.