Serial stalker who used dating apps back in prison

A serial stalker has been recalled to prison after he used dating apps and started a relationship without telling his probation officer.

Former professional cricketer Grant Hodnett had been released early from an 18-month jail sentence he received in February for harassing two women in Warrington.

Cheshire Police said the 42-year-old from Winsford had been recalled due to breaching "strict" licence conditions which required him to disclose any developing relationships.

In late November, officers were informed by a neighbouring force that former Gloucestershire batsman Hodnett had been seeing a woman he had met on an online dating app.

This triggered a response from the Harm Reduction Unit, Cheshire's specialist stalking investigation and risk management team.

Checks confirmed Hodnett had failed to inform the probation service despite having several opportunities to do so.

He was arrested less than 24 hours later, the force said.

PC Keith Terrill said: "Hodnett's actions have again shown he is either unable or unwilling to adhere to conditions placed upon him."

When he was sentenced in February, Cheshire Police said Hodnett caused "maximum distress from afar" to an ex-partner through calls, emails, texts and divulging her details to charities and counsellors.

He was then seen by another victim in a location from which he was banned due to a previous stalking conviction.

South Africa-born Hodnett, who played for Gloucestershire from 2005 to 2009, will serve the remainder of his 18-month sentence behind bars.

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