Born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on 2 September 1969, Hobson grew up in a stable family and viewed by peers as “average and ordinary.” He worked as a binman, nightclub doorman, and landscape gardener. He married in 1993, had children, but left his family abruptly in 1999 and later drifted into heavy alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine use.

On July 10, 2004, killed in the shared flat in Camblesforth, Hobson beat Claire 17 times with a hammer, strangled her, and wrapped her body in bin liners.

He called Diane on July 17, 2004, claiming Claire was ill, then tortured, sexually abused, strangled, and mutilated her.

On July 18, 2004, traveling to Strensall, Hobson murdered this elderly couple—beating James with his walking stick and stabbing them both. Murder was likely premeditated, noted in Hobson’s written "to‑do" lists found later.

Following the murders, a high-profile manhunt ensued. After days on the run, Hobson was spotted refueling and arrested on 25 July 2004. At arrest he reportedly said: “I’m a fucking killer, aren’t I?”

In April 2005, Hobson pleaded guilty to all four murders. In May, Leeds Crown Court handed him four life sentences with a whole-life order—making him the first in the UK given this under a guilty plea.