Employer convicted of stalking former employee over five-year period

A man has been convicted of stalking a former employee over a five-year period.

Andrew Hodgson, of Borders Lane, Etchingham, pleaded guilty to stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 23 July. He will be sentenced on 28 September.

The conviction follows an investigation into reports that a woman was subjected to repeated unwanted contact between 2021 and 2026.

Hodgson repeatedly contacted the victim by email and text message, engraved her name onto a plaque at his home address and sent her gifts, including flowers. Many of the messages were of a lewd nature and were sent overnight.

The victim reported the matter to police on 24 April. Hodgson was arrested the same day and later released on bail.

While on bail, Hodgson continued to stalk the victim. He was re-arrested on 22 July, charged and remanded in custody overnight before appearing at Brighton Magistrates' Court the following day, where he pleaded guilty.

Investigating officer Investigator Melissa Foster said: "This offending involved a prolonged campaign of stalking that caused the victim significant alarm and distress over a number of years.

"Hodgson was in a position of trust and authority as the victim's employer and exploited that position to target a significantly younger member of staff.

"This offending was not an isolated incident. It involved a sustained pattern of unwanted behaviour and an abuse of the power imbalance that existed within the workplace.

"Despite police involvement, the offending continued while he was on bail, demonstrating a complete disregard for the victim and the conditions imposed upon him.

"I hope this guilty plea provides the victim with some reassurance that Hodgson has been held accountable for his actions. I would also like to commend her courage throughout the investigation."

Anyone experiencing stalking or harassment, or who is concerned about someone's behaviour towards them, is encouraged to report it. Information and support are available Stalking and harassment | Sussex Police