ANTHONY HOOPER SENTENCED IN WREXHAM FOR SEXUAL OFFENCE IN FLINT
A high-risk sex offender has been sentenced to prison for his conduct towards a woman on the street.Anthony Hooper, aged 69, of Knights Green in Flint, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon for sentencing.
Hooper had earlier been convicted following a trial of sexual assault and breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), both occurring in 2024 in Flint.
Prosecutor Justin Espie stated to the court: "The defendant is known to be a high-risk registered sex offender with multiple previous convictions and is under a sexual harm prevention order." The SHPO banned Hooper from engaging in any communication with females of any age in a manner that a reasonable person would interpret as sexual unless the individual explicitly consented.
On the day of the incident, Hooper touched his victim in the street in a way that made her feel very uncomfortable, and he made unusual comments towards her.
At that time, she was unaware that Hooper was a registered sex offender.
Mr.
Espie described Hooper's behaviour during the offences as "concerning" and "sexualised." In her victim personal statement, the woman expressed her anger at Hooper's behaviour, stating, "Nothing about this is my fault," and voiced her fear of encountering him again, saying, "I'm very concerned about bumping into him." She also shared that the incident caused her significant anxiety.
Defence solicitor Gary Harvey noted, "The pre-sentence report doesn't do him any favours," and admitted, "I don't try to suggest there's a realistic prospect of rehabilitation." He acknowledged that Hooper's actions had constituted a deliberate breach of his SHPO.
Harvey also remarked, "He had the trial and was convicted — I can't go behind that." District Judge Gwyn Jones addressed Hooper directly, explaining the gravity of his actions: "Mr Hooper, the sexual assault had a significant impact on the victim.
And your sexual behaviour made the victim feel extremely uneasy.
You do not wish to take any responsibility for your actions and don't want to address any matters." The judge concluded, "On that basis, and in view of your record of offending, I am satisfied that the risk you pose to females is such that only one sentence is appropriate — immediate custody." Consequently, Hooper was sentenced to 52 weeks in prison and ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge.
Additionally, a six-year restraining order was imposed to protect the victim from further contact.
Separately, a man in his 70s, Anthony Hooper (per court records, 70, formerly of Chester), was also jailed for 16 months at Mold Crown Court for similar conduct.
He appeared via video link from HMP Berwyn and was sentenced for sexual assault and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
Prosecutor Christopher Staples explained that Hooper had been subject to a SHPO since 2015, issued at Chester Crown Court, which banned him from sexual communication with females of any age without consent.
On May 21 this year, Hooper approached a bank worker outside the HSBC branch in Regent Street, Wrexham, and engaged in inappropriate behaviour.
Mr.
Staples detailed that Hooper attempted to converse with the victim multiple times, despite her awareness of his previous convictions, and on this occasion, he sought help with his bank card.
During the interaction, Hooper stated, "I could twist that to say something but I’m not that sort of man," and made a similar comment when taking his card.
He then asked for a receipt, placed his hand in hers, rubbed it, and said, "take your time," to her reading the receipt.
She subsequently retreated to the back office, and Hooper was arrested.
He also breached bail conditions by entering the HSBC branch, which the court considered an aggravating factor.
His defence indicated he needs help to address his issues and that he has been in custody for over four weeks since breaching bail.
Judge Jones sentenced Hooper to 16 months for the breach and an additional two months for the sexual assault, to be served concurrently.
A five-year restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting him from attending HSBC in Regent Street.
The court emphasized that Hooper was on licence at the time of the offence, that he violated court orders intentionally, and expressed that he is unlikely to be rehabilitated, citing frequent disregard for court instructions and impact on women.
