RAYMOND HODGES OF BARRY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN CARDIFF

In a chilling case that has shocked the community, Raymond Hodges, a pensioner from Barry, was sentenced to 25 years in prison at Cardiff Crown Court for a series of heinous crimes involving a young girl. The court heard that Hodges, who is now suffering from arthritis, had subjected his victim to a decade-long campaign of physical and sexual abuse, beginning when she was only five years old and continuing until she reached the age of 14.

Hodges was convicted of a total of 20 child sex offences, including rape and the use of an instrument to induce an abortion. Although he pleaded guilty to four of these charges, the court found him guilty of the remaining counts after a detailed trial. The severity of his crimes was underscored by the fact that some of the abuse was recorded on film, revealing the depraved acts he inflicted upon his young victim.

The court was told that Hodges used violence and intimidation to maintain control over the girl. His methods included beatings, scaldings, and burns, which he employed to dominate and terrify her. One of the most disturbing incidents involved Hodges carrying out an abortion on the girl when she was just 12 years old, after she became pregnant with his child. During this traumatic event, another man was reportedly involved in holding her down, adding to the horror of the situation.

The psychological impact on the victim has been profound. She has described her childhood as being robbed of its warmth and happiness, with her suffering leaving her with lasting emotional scars. She recounted to the court how she missed out on the simple joys of childhood and has struggled with self-harm and suicidal thoughts as a result of her experiences. Despite her trauma, she expressed a desire to begin rebuilding her life and to find some measure of peace.

In her statement, she explained that her life had been put on hold for many years due to the abuse but that she was now starting to piece her life back together. Her words highlighted the devastating effects of Hodges’ actions and the long-lasting damage inflicted upon her.

Representing Hodges, solicitor Claire Pickthall from Barry acknowledged her client’s background but offered limited mitigation. The judge, Judge Harris-Jenkins, described the abuse as “depraved” and noted that Hodges had used threats to his victim, warning that he would attack her family if she disclosed his crimes. The court emphasized the long history of violence, including beatings, burns, and scaldings, which Hodges used to exert control.

As Hodges was sentenced, he placed his head on the desk in front of him, showing no remorse for his actions. The judge condemned his conduct, stating that Hodges had “shown no remorse whatsoever,” and reinforced the gravity of his crimes, which have left a lasting scar on his victim and the community of Barry.