Man who was 'extremely disruptive' during trial convicted of sexually assaulting woman
A man has been convicted of sexual assault
A man has been jailed after a jury found him found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman last summer.
Conor Hodgkins has been jailed for one year and three months after he approached a woman who was walking along Winston Churchill Avenue at 5.30pm on Monday, July 7, 2025. The 35-year-old made sexual noises at his victim before grabbing her aggressively by the shoulders and direct sexual comments towards her.
The frightened woman attempted to fight him off and she was assisted by several members of the public who were driving past and stopped to help her.
A report was made to police and Hodgkins, of no fixed abode in Portsmouth, was arrested shortly afterwards. He was charged with sexual assault and remanded in custody later the same day.
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He appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Thursday, March 26, where he was found guilty by a unanimous jury following a three-day trial.
A spokesperson for the police said during court proceedings, Hodgkins was “extremely disruptive” and, when addressing the jury after they returned their verdict, the judge commented that “it has not been an easy experience for anybody.”
He appeared at Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday, June 12, where he was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment.He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years and is subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
The officer in charge of the investigation, detective constable Vivian Schram of the serious and complex investigations team, said: “I am pleased to see the judge hand down this sentence, I hope the victim feels that this sentence reflects the seriousness of what she experienced, and that it provides her with a sense of justice.
“This has been a lengthy and difficult process for the victim, who has shown considerable courage and resilience throughout the investigation and court proceedings. Her strength in continuing to engage with the process, despite the challenges, has been instrumental in securing this outcome.
“Sexual assault can have a profound and lasting impact on victims. We understand that coming forward can be incredibly difficult, but we want to reassure anyone affected that they will be listened to, taken seriously, and supported throughout.”