A convicted paedophile who raped two children has died of cancer three years into his 18-year prison sentence. Arthur Hodgson, 73, admitted 18 offences including rapes, sexual assaults, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court in March 2022 to 18 years and nine months in prison.
Judge's Warning
Judge Amanda Rippon labeled Hodgson 'dangerous' and imposed a five-year extended licence period to protect the public. She stated: 'I have had no difficulty in concluding that you are dangerous. I am satisfied there is a significant risk of you committing further offences if you could.'
The court heard that Hodgson's offences had a 'dreadful and continuing' effect on his victims. His defence lawyer, Tony Cornberg, noted that Hodgson had health problems and that a long sentence 'could have consequences of where he sees out his days'.
Prison and Death
Hodgson, of Birch Grove, Jarrow, South Tyneside, was serving his sentence at HMP Northumberland, a category C prison near Acklington. He died in hospital on September 26, 2025, from metastatic oesophageal carcinoma, a cancer that started in his oesophagus and spread to other parts of his body.
Clinical Review
NHS England commissioned an independent clinical reviewer to examine Hodgson's care. The reviewer concluded that his clinical care was of a good standard and equivalent to what he would have received in the community. Nursing staff completed appropriate care planning, saw him weekly, and adjusted his pain relief as needed. He was placed on the complex care register and discussed regularly at multi-disciplinary team meetings. The healthcare team transferred him to hospital when his health deteriorated and contacted hospital staff daily for updates. The reviewer made no recommendations.
