A MAN has been charged with murdering his father.

As reported, police were called to reports of a serious assault at an address in Ridgeway, Sherborne just after 5.10pm on Tuesday.

A person who has now been named as 73-year-old Robert Hodgson was taken to hospital by air ambulance. However, he died that day.

His family is being supported by specially trained officers.

A post-mortem examination was carried out on Wednesday. It concluded that he died as a result of a head injury.

Police have now confirmed that his son Dominic William Hodgson – aged 36 and from Sherborne – has been charged with murder. 

This morning, Hodgson appeared at Weymouth Magistrates' Court. The defendant, who was calm and quiet throughout the hearing, was represented by Kenneth Sharpe during his brief appearance.

The presiding magistrate, Michael Davis, said that the matter had been referred to the crown court as an indictable-only offence.

A plea and trial preparation hearing has been set for Wednesday, May 29 at Winchester Crown Court. 

Hodgson, who wore a grey jumper and spoke only to confirm his name, age and address at the court, did not indicate a plea to the charge and was remanded into custody ahead of the next hearing.

The investigation is being led by detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Our enquiries into the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

“Following a fast moving and detailed investigation, we have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service who authorised the charge.

“Family liaison officers have updated Robert’s family with this development and our thoughts are with them all at this extremely difficult time.

“A cordon remains in place around an address in Ridgeway while crime scene investigators examine the scene.

“Residents will see officers conducting house-to-house enquiries. However, if anyone has any information relating to the incident I would ask that they please contact Dorset Police.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team are continuing to carry out high visibility patrols in the area over the coming days to offer reassurance to the community and can be contacted with any concerns.

“It is important to stress – as is typical in such circumstances – that it would be entirely inappropriate for Dorset Police to comment further ahead of the trial. It is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 21:349.