ANDREW COOK FROM NEWBURY JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AT HAMPTON SCHOOL IN LONDON

In June 2020, Andrew Cook, a 30-year-old rowing coach associated with the prestigious Hampton School in south west London, was sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offences involving dozens of teenage boys. Cook, who resides in Newbury, Berkshire, was found guilty of committing 37 separate sexual crimes that spanned over a period of nine years, targeting boys aged between 13 and 17 years old.

Cook’s criminal activities involved a disturbing pattern of deception and manipulation. Under the alias Anne Jones, he posed as a 16-year-old girl online, luring vulnerable adolescents into a trap of exploitation. He convinced the boys to strip and pose for explicit photographs, requesting 'pic for pic' exchanges, while maintaining the false identity of a teenage girl. This deception was part of a calculated scheme to sexually exploit the victims, many of whom trusted Cook as a mentor and friend.

The victims, many of whom were students at Hampton School, recounted feelings of embarrassment, shame, and physical sickness upon discovering that their trusted coach was behind the manipulative persona. The betrayal of trust was profound, with some victims stating that the abuse had negatively impacted their academic performance and emotional well-being.

Cook’s actions came to light after an investigation launched by Surrey Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team in April 2018. The authorities were alerted by the school itself, which had received complaints from students. The investigation revealed that Cook had been offending since June 2011, with his online misconduct including inviting victims to play truth or dare and exchanging explicit images. On one particularly disturbing occasion, Cook pretended to be his female cousin during an online conversation with a boy, sending topless photos of a female and requesting nude images in return.

During the court proceedings at Guildford Crown Court, Cook faced one of his victims in person, while others participated via virtual means. The judge, Alexia Durran, emphasized the breach of trust involved in Cook’s crimes, noting that many victims viewed him as a helpful figure who had betrayed their confidence. The judge also highlighted the emotional and academic toll inflicted upon the victims.

In addition to his prison sentence, Cook was banned from working with children and will be registered as a sex offender. His employment at Hampton School, a historic independent institution with a 450-year legacy, was terminated two years prior following an internal disciplinary process triggered by student complaints. Hampton School issued a statement expressing 'deep regret' over the incident and the actions of the former coach.

Cook also pleaded guilty to possessing 53 indecent images of children and to grooming the boys for sexual exploitation. He denied charges related to three other boys, which remain on file, but the court found sufficient evidence to convict him on the 37 counts for which he was sentenced. His criminal conduct has left a lasting scar on the victims and the community, prompting ongoing discussions about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in educational environments.