Former canoe instructor jailed for 15 years for indecent assault

Michael Hudson worked as a canoe instructor in North West Leicestershire between the 1970s and 2010s.

Detective Sergeant Anna Blockley from the force’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU), said: “We are pleased Hudson has now been found guilty of the offences.

“This was in no way easy for the victims and has been a deeply traumatic time for them.  I applaud their courage in coming forward.  I hope this outcome will now help them move on with their lives and reassure them that their concerns were taken seriously, no matter how long ago the offences occurred."

In 2020 the force received a report from a man reporting he had been indecently assaulted on a number of occasions by Hudson when he was a teenager.

That investigation then led officers to contact another victim, who did report the offences against him to a third party in 2017 but wasn’t able to support the investigation at the time.

Following contact from officers, he too agreed to support the case and provide evidence against Hudson.

The 81-year-old was charged with 10 counts of indecent assault on boys under the age of 16 and on the 30th of September was found guilty of all the offences and was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison. 

Detective Sergeant Anna Blockley, said: “Hudson was an instructor at various canoe clubs in North West Leicestershire between the 1970s and 2010s.  We strongly believe there may be other victims of Hudson out there who for whatever reason haven’t come forward and reported the offences. 

“If this is you then we encourage you to come forward.  Please be assured your report will be dealt with by specialist officers who will support and guide you throughout the process.”

Michael Hudson