Sexually assaulting young girls.

Convicted Paedophile Jailed for Shooting Attempt

A convicted paedophile, Arthur Hodgson (75), has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for attempting to shoot a neighbour who discovered his criminal past.

Hodgson, a former East Riding of Yorkshire councillor, had been jailed in 2017 for sexually assaulting young girls. After his release, he moved to Hull seeking "a quiet life" but fell into disrepute with some neighbours who learned of his past offences.

Judge Peter Kelson QC stated that Hodgson "took exception to people learning about your previous sex offences" and "decided to take the law into his hands" after being confronted with his past.

The court heard that Hodgson attempted to shoot Lee Harker twice after Harker discovered his criminal history. While Harker did not directly witness the shootings, he heard sounds he initially thought were children throwing stones.

A witness described the sounds as "like a BB gun" and Harker, fearing for his life and the safety of his daughter, reported the incident to the authorities.

Judge Kelson concluded that Hodgson had caused "serious psychological harm" to Harker due to the incident, which occurred in February 2021.

Hodgson, of Main Street, Great Hatfield, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence.