ANTHONY COPE FROM LEIGH AND TRURO SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF FOUR-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN LEIGH

In a case that has spanned over a decade, Anthony Cope, a man originally from Leigh and now residing in Truro, Cornwall, has been sentenced to five years in prison for the sexual abuse of a young girl aged just four years old. The disturbing offences took place more than ten years ago, but it was only in October 2012 that the victim confided in authorities about what had happened to her.

Following her disclosure, police arrested Cope, who initially denied the allegations. Despite his denials, the case proceeded to trial earlier this year at Liverpool Crown Court. The court heard evidence that led to his conviction on nine counts of sexual assault. The jury found him guilty of these serious charges, and Judge Alan Conrad, QC, presided over the sentencing.

Judge Conrad expressed his conviction that the offences had been committed on a regular basis, emphasizing the severity and repeated nature of the abuse. As a result, he ordered 46-year-old Anthony Cope to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, a measure that underscores the gravity of his crimes and the potential risk he poses to the community.

During the proceedings, Emily Cook, representing Cope, argued that her client, who has no prior criminal record, maintains his innocence. She highlighted that Cope is the primary carer for his elderly mother, who would face the prospect of entering a nursing home if he were to be incarcerated. Cook also pointed out the impact that a prison sentence would have on Cope’s partner and their two children, suggesting that his imprisonment would cause significant hardship for his family.

Despite these pleas, the court upheld the conviction, and Cope was sentenced accordingly, marking a significant development in a case that has haunted the community for years.