Police warning about butane gas after Dorset man is jailed for murdering his father while under the influence
Police have called on people who abuse butane to seek help following the murder of a pensioner in Dorset by his son, who was under the influence of butane gas at the time.
Officers were called to the Ridgeway in Sherborne on 21 May 2019 after Dominic Hodgson dialled 999 and told police he had killed his dad with a dumbbell.
When they arrived at the house, police found Dominic Hodgson inside and his father Robert on the sofa in the living room with major head injuries. The 72-year-old was airlifted to hospital but died that evening.
37-year-old Dominic Hodgson was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. A metal dumbbell and several butane gas canisters were discovered in the address.
Dominic Hodgson appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 18 October 2019 and admitted the murder of his 72-year-old father Robert Hodgson. He was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 14 years.
The court heard the 37-year-old had a history of butane gas abuse and his admission that he had been under the influence of the solvent when he murdered his father.
Dorset Police believe Mr Hodgson would still be alive if it hadn't been for his son's habit.
DI Huxter says, “I would urge anyone who abuses butane gas to seek help via their GP or contact the Talk to Frank support service on 0300 1236600."
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