Teenager issued threat to 'blow up' mum's home while she was in Turkey

19 February 2024 , 15:57

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Defending, Lewis Pearson said that Hodgson suffers from ADHD and that he and his stepfather have a tense relationship (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

A teenager threatened to "blow up" his mother's home because of a problem with his stepdad.

On August 29, Callum Hodgson sent a "distressing" text message to his mum while she was on holiday with her husband in Turkey. The 19-year-old's message was sent during an argument with her. The mother was left fearing what her son's next actions would be.

The teenager, of Holyoake Gardens, Deckham, Gateshead, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week facing a charge relating to the sending of an offensive message, and pleaded guilty to the offence. Prosecutor Gurjot Kaur said Hodgson's mother was on holiday with her husband in Turkey when she received a text message from her son.

Her husband also saw the texts and was "seriously concerned". Miss Kaur said: "Both were on holiday in Turkey and [the defendant sent] threats in abusive messages. Threats to blow up the house."

The court was told Hodgson had two previous convictions for three offences, including violent behaviour in a police station. He was also given a conditional discharge for a threats to kill offence. Defending, Lewis Pearson said that Hodgson suffers from ADHD and that he and his stepfather have a tense relationship. He said: "It was disastrous when his mum took up with her new partner. He is a very firm person, a strict disciplinarian, and it didn't wash well."

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Callum Hodgson leaving Newcastle Magistrates Court (Newcastle Chronicle)

The court was told Hodgson had two previous convictions for three offences, including violent behaviour in a police station (Newcastle Chronicle)

Mr Pearson said that Hodgson will soon head to Chicago for work and that the messages he sent to his mother were when there was a "to-and-fro" between them. He said: "They were in Turkey and it was just something he said. His stepfather winds him up. It was an irrational thing to do."

Hodgson was fined £120 and must pay a £48 surcharge and £85 costs. Sentencing Hodgson, District Judge Paul Currer, said: "You sent distressing messages to your mum while she was on holiday, it was an exceptionally childish thing to do. Very petty and childish."

Zesha Saleem