22 years in jail for attempted murder

A MAN has been jailed for 22 years after he was found guilty of attempting to kill a woman who took pity for him over the death of his mother.

- CARL EVE

Thomas Hodge appeared at Plymouth Crown Court for a sentencing hearing last week, after being found guilty at trial of the attempted murder of Sasha Bennett at her home in North Down Crescent, Keyham, on February 8 this year.

Before the arrival of Judge Peter Johnson, 47-year-old Hodge made a series of comments from his seat in court, specifically aimed at his victim, who was in the public gallery alongside investigators and her supporters.

Prosecutor Jason Beale highlighted his outbursts to the judge, who warned Hodge that if he made any further outbursts he would be taken to the cells. Mr Beale reminded the court that Hodge, of Park Avenue, Devonport, was convicted by a jury and noted that during the trial Hodge had left the dock to return to his cell.

The court heard how Hodge had been seen by Ms Bennett talking to a woman from Plymouth Community Homes that day as she was about to head out to pay some bills. Hodge had said he had recently suffered a bereavement the death of his mother, who had lost her battle against cancer.

Mr Beale said Ms Bennett thought Hodge had already been drinking from a bottle of honey whiskey he was carrying, but invited him into her home to offer her condolences, and the pair shared a few drinks. However, after a while, she urged him to leave as she had to pop out and she ushered him to the door, but he refused to leave. He had headed out the front door but then forced it back open, knocking her back into the hallway and to the ground.