30th June 2009
The Failed Appeal.
On Tuesday 31st March 2009, at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, 3 Appeal Court judges ruled that there was “compelling” evidence that David Hodgson murdered Jenny on 30th June 2005. The appeal centred around new evidence from a forensic linguist, that quite frankly, was weak to put it mildly. Lady Justice Hallett commented that the new evidence “did nothing” to boost the defence’s case. One could argue that it was a complete waste of taxpayer’s money, though our justice system has evolved in a way that allows the defence team to almost automatically launch an appeal no matter how futile or ludicrous it may seem.
At the very least, the failed appeal has strengthened the conviction and it was reassuring to listen to the judges question the new evidence. The wry grin so often displayed by Jamie Hill QC, for Hodgson, gave way to subservient nods as it became increasingly clear that their case was about to be dismissed. It has also reaffirmed the total selfishness that David Hodgson has displayed throughout and we hope that slowly but surely, the misplaced loyalty acted out by some members of his family, will start to subside. They too, have some soul searching to do as they sought to blame Jenny for their woe’s and embarked on some rather unpleasant activities. Lady Justice Hallett in her summing up, said Hodgson had become “over possessive” and prone to “manhandling” Jenny........... traits that he has displayed with others throughout his meagre life.
Maybe then, we may see some signs of acceptance for what he has done, though to be frank, his selfishness has become so ingrained, it might even be of benefit to society as the longer he maintains this stance, the longer he will remain in prison.
Many kind words were said about Jenny during the summing up and it was very clear from the outset, that the 3 judges were very well prepared, as you would expect. It also gave us some solace as for the first time, Jenny has been portrayed more accurately and her wee soul didn’t have to be shaken anymore, like it was at the trial in 2008...... by David Hodgson, his defence team and certain members of his family. Sometimes we feel like saying things much stronger, but we have always promised not to allow ourselves to display the same low standards that certain others have displayed.
Another Year On
It will be 4 years on Tuesday 30th June 2009, since Jenny took that fateful journey from home and never returned. We think of her daily and as we watched the Glastonbury Festival over the weekend, we wondered which bands Jenny would have liked? Which new bands would she have taken to? Which songs would she have tried to learn on her guitar and strummed away in her bedroom? Which festivals would she have gone to over the last 4 years if she had not needlessly been taken from us? Jenny liked music and it’s one way in which we can remember her.
As ever, Jenny is constantly in our thoughts and prayers and we hope she remains in yours too.
Brian & Ann
