RUSHDEN PAEDOPHILE STEPHEN HODGES SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE AND DEATH THREATS TO 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Rushden, Stephen Hodges, aged 43, was sentenced to 14 and a half years in prison at Northampton Crown Court for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The court heard that Hodges, a known resident of Rushden, had subjected a 12-year-old girl to repeated acts of sexual assault over a period of time, employing threats and intimidation to maintain control over her and silence her from speaking out.

According to the prosecution, Rebecca Crane, the prosecutor, the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was first sexually assaulted in 2004. However, she did not disclose the abuse until after she was raped again in 2006. The girl was reportedly deeply traumatized and fearful, which prevented her from revealing the abuse earlier. Crane explained, “Following this she was very upset and did not tell anyone as she was scared by aggressive and controlling behaviour. He said she would die if she told anyone.”

The abuse only came to light when a relative of the victim noticed a threatening text message from Hodges on her mobile phone. Concerned, the relative informed a neighbour, who then contacted the police. This chain of events ultimately led to Hodges’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

Initially, Hodges denied any wrongdoing, but he later pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault and three counts of rape. His guilty plea was considered a significant development in the case, which resulted in his being sentenced to a lengthy prison term. Additionally, he will be registered as a sex offender for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

During sentencing, Judge Charles Wide, QC, emphasized the gravity of Hodges’s actions. He stated, “These are offences of the gravest kind. You sexually abused her when she was only 12 and that was an isolated incident but you then, two years later, raped her again, as a course of conduct over the next 18 months.” The judge highlighted the devastating impact on the victim, noting the breach of trust and the use of threats and violence to maintain control.

Judge Wide further detailed the nature of the threats Hodges made to ensure her silence, including telling her she would die if she disclosed the abuse, or that he would find someone else to do it if he could not. The court also acknowledged the serious aggravating factors, such as the duration of the abuse, the manipulation involved, and the breach of the girl’s innocence and trust.

It was also revealed that Hodges’s guilty plea came very late in the process, with the trial scheduled to commence in just six days. The judge condemned the actions as profoundly damaging, underscoring the importance of justice for the young victim and the community of Rushden.