Sex offender jailed for three years after ‘grooming’ 15-year-old
SEX offender Edward Hopson has been jailed for three years for inciting a 15-year-old girl to have sex with him.
Hopson, 61, of Torrington Street, admitted causing a child to engage in sexual activity with him, on the day he was due to stand trial.
Grimsby Crown Court heard that Hopson has a “shocking record” of sex offences, which began in 1965 and includes indecent assault and attempted rape. He has spent time in prison before for another sexual offence.
The court heard that Hopson had spent time “grooming” the 15-year-old.
Mark Kendall, prosecuting, said that when she was 13, he took her to Pleasure Island in Cleethorpes and spoke to her about “his little friend”, meaning his penis. He would also often give her money.
On August 20 last year, the girl attempted to cycle from Hull to Skegness, having not realised how far it was. She called Hopson when she was in Killingholme and asked if he could give her a lift.
On the way to Grimsby Bus Station, he pulled into a lay-by and asked to have sex with her. She said no and he drove her to the station.
Hopson was found out after the girl’s brothers asked her where she had been getting her money.
Richard Butters, mitigating, said the self-employed renovator had made a “stupid, impulsive comment which he bitterly regrets”.
He had been out of trouble for 16 years and had the support of his partner.
Hopson will serve half his sentence on licence. He was given an extension of three years on his sentence, an indefinite sexual offences prevention order and is on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
