ALAN COPELAND SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS IN PRISON FOR RAINWORTH SEX ABUSE CASE
| Red Rose Database
Rainworth Sexual Abuser
In September 2023, Alan Copeland, a 59-year-old man from Rainworth, was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The abuse began nearly a decade prior to his arrest, with Copeland coercing the girl into keeping their encounters a secret. It was only when the girl reached an age where she could comprehend the gravity of what had happened that she confided in her family, prompting a police investigation.
Following her disclosure, Nottinghamshire Police swiftly intervened. Specialist child abuse detectives arrested Copeland and conducted detailed interviews to gather evidence. Throughout the investigation, Copeland vehemently denied any wrongdoing, angrily dismissing the allegations against him. However, the evidence against him was compelling enough to lead to formal charges.
He faced three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The case was brought before Nottingham Crown Court, where a jury listened to powerful video testimony from the victim, which played a crucial role in establishing the facts. Additionally, the court was informed of two prior convictions against Copeland from the 1990s, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior.
On Wednesday, September 5, the jury found Copeland guilty of all three charges. The judge subsequently sentenced him to six years in prison. As part of his punishment, Copeland, formerly residing on Third Avenue in Rainworth, was also ordered to register as a sex offender. Furthermore, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which will impose strict restrictions on his contact with minors once he is released from custody, aiming to prevent any further harm.
His conviction and sentencing highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the justice system to protect vulnerable individuals and hold offenders accountable for their actions.
Following her disclosure, Nottinghamshire Police swiftly intervened. Specialist child abuse detectives arrested Copeland and conducted detailed interviews to gather evidence. Throughout the investigation, Copeland vehemently denied any wrongdoing, angrily dismissing the allegations against him. However, the evidence against him was compelling enough to lead to formal charges.
He faced three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The case was brought before Nottingham Crown Court, where a jury listened to powerful video testimony from the victim, which played a crucial role in establishing the facts. Additionally, the court was informed of two prior convictions against Copeland from the 1990s, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior.
On Wednesday, September 5, the jury found Copeland guilty of all three charges. The judge subsequently sentenced him to six years in prison. As part of his punishment, Copeland, formerly residing on Third Avenue in Rainworth, was also ordered to register as a sex offender. Furthermore, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which will impose strict restrictions on his contact with minors once he is released from custody, aiming to prevent any further harm.
His conviction and sentencing highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the justice system to protect vulnerable individuals and hold offenders accountable for their actions.