A convicted sex offender who adopted a new name following a non-custodial sentence for targeting an underage girl has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a former girlfriend.
Peter Hodges, who currently uses the name Josh Russell, of Severn Beach, Bristol, appeared for trial at Crown Court on 12 October 2026, facing charges of rape and sexual assault.
The background to Hodges’ offending dates back nine years to October 2017, when he appeared before Bristol Crown Court after being snared by the online activist group Totnes Justice. In that case, Hodges was convicted of attempting to incite or cause a girl under 16 to engage in sexual activity. The court chose not to impose an immediate prison term, handing him a three-year community order alongside public protection measures.
Following that disposal, Hodges changed his name to Josh Russell and went on to commit further sexual offences against an adult female partner.
Police arrested Hodges, and he was remanded in custody in January 2026 pending trial. During the Crown Court trial, jurors evaluated the evidence surrounding allegations of rape and sexual assault against his ex-partner. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty in respect of the rape charge, but found Hodges guilty of sexual assault.
Under the provisions of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 and Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, all victims and complainants connected to sexual offence proceedings are protected by automatic, lifelong statutory anonymity. Publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating any details, names, addresses, workplaces, or photographs capable of leading to public identification is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Hodges was:
Convicted of one count of sexual assault
Acquitted of one count of rape
Following the verdict on 12 October 2026, the trial judge remanded Hodges in custody. He is scheduled to return to the Crown Court for sentence in December 2026, where he faces an immediate custodial term, an extension of his Sex Offenders Register requirements, and preventative public protection orders.
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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