RAYMOND HODGSON SENTENCED TO 27 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN BASINGSTOKE AND HAMPSHIRE

A court has handed down a severe prison sentence of 27 years to Raymond Hodgson, a 43-year-old charity worker from Basingstoke, Hampshire, after he was convicted of a disturbing series of sexual offenses involving multiple young girls. The judge explicitly stated his intention to safeguard Britain’s children, including the yet unborn, emphasizing the seriousness of Hodgson’s crimes and the protection of future generations.

Hodgson’s crimes spanned several years and involved a heinous pattern of abuse directed at nine young girls. His criminal activities came to light after police initially identified and apprehended him following the abuse of four children. However, Hodgson's clever manipulation and deception allowed him to avoid arrest at that time by trapping officers inside his house. This escape enabled him to continue his cruel acts, and he proceeded to sexually exploit an additional five minors.

His method of gaining access to the children and their families was notably calculated. Hodgson exploited his role as a charity worker, which allowed him to travel across Britain and build trust within his community. He befriended parents and gained the confidence of their children, which he later used as a gateway to commit further offenses. Police investigations revealed that Hodgson's predatory behavior was so extensive that his photograph was broadcast as part of a BBC Crimewatch appeal, leading to an overwhelming influx of calls from the public and ultimately his arrest.

The court was shown deeply disturbing evidence, including a pornographic video that Hodgson filmed in which he coerced a six-year-old girl into performing sexual acts. The severity of his actions was underscored by Judge Martin Tucker QC, who described the offences as revolting. The judge remarked, “Having seen in the video the sort of things you were doing, it must be realised what a revolting series of offences these were.”

In his sentencing speech, Judge Tucker emphasized the danger Hodgson posed to children, both present and future. “When you are eventually at liberty the overwhelming probability is you will try to do it again. I have got to protect children and unborn children,” he stated. The judge also expressed his intent to keep Hodgson confined until his sexual tendencies diminish, stating, “I am passing a sentence that will keep you inside until your sexual life is on the wane.”

Hodgson’s pattern of recidivism was further confirmed during the court proceedings. It was revealed that he had re-offended after serving time for raping a 12-year-old girl. Upon his release, he targeted girls aged between 6 and 13 years old. His approach often involved manipulating trust—becoming acquainted with families and even working under the guise of charity work to access vulnerable children.

A particularly disturbing account involved a girl who told police that Hodgson had pulled her into his bed, stripped her, and removed her pants. On another occasion, while visiting friends in Gosport, Hampshire, Hodgson gave an eight-year-old girl shandy and then sexually assaulted her when she awoke in the middle of the night to find him touching her. The girl disclosed this incident to her sister, prompting police involvement.

When authorities arrived to arrest Hodgson, his cunning was on display once more. He manipulated police into allowing him to say farewell to his landlady, during which he locked the officers inside and managed to escape. He then traveled north to Morecambe under a false name, continuing his cycle of abuse by abusing more children, again facilitated by his position with a charity.

During police interviews, Hodgson claimed a lack of understanding about why he had committed these acts. He stated, “Ninety per cent of the time I am like any other in the street and then situations crop up and I lose control.” Ultimately, Hodgson of Basingstoke pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault, four of indecency with a child, five counts of taking indecent photographs, and one charge of unlawful escape, which underscored the extent of his criminal conduct.