A MAN wrongfully imprisoned for 27 years will learn today whether he faces more time in jail after he admitted sexually assaulting a young woman.

Sean Hodgson the victim of one of Britain’s most serious miscarriages of justice, was freed in 2009 after having his conviction for the rape and murder of Teresa De Simone in 1979, overturned.

Hodgson was sentenced three years after Miss De Simone’s body was found in her car, behind a pub, in Southampton.

The 60-year-old appeared yesterday at Durham Crown Court to be sentenced for sexually assaulting a vulnerable 22-year-old woman on August 12 last year.

Hodgson, of Park Street, Willington, near Crook, County Durham, committed the offence less than 18 months after his release.

Judge Christopher Prince said Hodgson could be jailed for up to two years – or could walk free if he agreed to complete a mental health treatment requirement imposed by the court.

He adjourned sentencing until today, pending the completion of a psychiatric report.

Judge Prince said: “The fact this defendant has spent 27 years in custody for a crime he did not commit is not a relevant sentencing factor for this offence.

“He is not entitled to a reduction from sentence solely because he has served that time in custody.

“If he is due compensation, that comes from another source.

“Bearing in mind the vulnerability of the victim, the use of alcohol by this defendant, and the apparent lack of remorse or willingness to accept that which he has done, will allow this to be at the top end of sentencing, of even a minimum of two years.

“The key is to protect the public as much as is possible and in the most effective manner from any possible future offending by Mr Hodgson.”

Hodgson, who suffers from depression and schizophrenia, maintained his innocence throughout his incarcaration, which prevented him from being paroled.

He was released in March 2009 after his conviction was quashed at London’s Court of Appeal.

He launched a compensation bid against the Home Office for wrongful conviction and could be eligible for up to £1m.

In 2009, Teresa De Simone’s killer was named as David Lace, who committed suicide in 1988, aged 26.

His body was exhumed for DNA tests, which linked him to the scene of the murder.