NICHOLAS HODGES FROM WILTSHIRE CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CHIPPEHAM
A woman in Chippenham was subjected to a distressing sexual assault by Nicholas Hodges, a man from Wiltshire, who pretended to be asleep during the attack.The incident, which took place in 2022, culminated in Hodges being convicted of assault by penetration and sexual assault by a jury at Salisbury Crown Court on the 14th of September.
According to prosecutor Asha Seenauth, the events unfolded after Hodges was invited back to a woman’s residence in Chippenham following a night out.
The woman had been out with friends and, upon returning home, she put her children to bed and continued socializing with Hodges and another man.
As the evening progressed, Hodges sent her a message asking if he could come over and give her a hug.
The woman chose not to respond to his message, but Hodges nonetheless entered her bedroom uninvited.
Once inside, he proceeded to kiss her neck and lips while she was pretending to be asleep, an act that was clearly intended to conceal his intentions.
The other man present at the time reportedly told Hodges to leave her room, which he did.
However, shortly afterward, Hodges returned to her bedroom.
This time, he resumed kissing her neck and then proceeded to lift her leg, engaging in a sexual assault involving digital penetration.
The victim described feeling frozen during the assault, which lasted approximately two minutes.
Her state of shock and fear prevented her from resisting or calling for help during the attack.
Hodges, whose address is listed as Charter Road, Chippenham, faces sentencing on the 17th of November.
The charge of assault by penetration carries a maximum sentence of up to 19 years in prison.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case highlights the serious nature of sexual offenses and the importance of justice for victims.
Hodges’s conviction underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities in Wiltshire and the wider region to combat sexual violence and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
