JACK HODGES – EXETER

❌ JACK HODGES – EXETER ❌

Man Found Guilty of Sexual Offences Against 15-Year-Old Girl

A 24-year-old man from Exeter has been found guilty of offences involving inappropriate communication and sexual activity with a teenage girl.

Jack Hodges, of Membury Close, appeared at Exeter Crown Court after being accused of developing unlawful contact with a girl aged 15 while staying overnight at a house in a Teignbridge village. The girl had been visiting a friend at the same property.

Court Findings

Prosecutors said Hodges began messaging the girl when she was 14, sending increasingly inappropriate communications. The messages continued after she turned 15, and the court heard that he encouraged further contact with her while he was staying overnight at the property.

The jury was shown extensive text exchanges between the pair. Hodges claimed the messages were “jokes,” but the jury rejected this explanation and found him guilty of all charges.

He was convicted of:
• Engaging in sexual communication with a child
• Two counts of sexual activity with a child

Judge’s Decision

He was jailed for two years, suspended for two years, ordered to attend the 35 session Horizon sex offenders’ treatment programme and do 40 days of rehabilitation activities and 150 hours of unpaid community work by Judge David Evans.

He was put on the sex offenders register and ordered to pay £3,000 compensation and £1,000 costs.

Case Background

The case came to light when the girl’s mother discovered messages on her daughter’s iPad and contacted the police. Hodges admitted sending the texts but denied that any inappropriate contact had ever taken place in the house.

Sarah’s Law – Child Protection Information

Sarah’s Law (the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme) allows parents, carers, or guardians to formally request information from police if they have concerns that someone with access to a child may pose a risk. Police can disclose relevant information if it is necessary for safeguarding.