BENJAMIN COOLEY, GUILDFORD SEXUAL PREDATOR, SENTENCED TO INDEFINITE HOSPITAL ORDER AFTER ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING IN PRIMARK

In March 2021, Benjamin Cooley, of Ferry Lane, Guildford, was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after attempting to lure two teenagers into Primark's changing rooms under false pretenses. Cooley, who was deemed not fit to enter a plea, was found by a jury at Guildford Crown Court on Thursday, March 11, to have committed charges of attempted kidnap and breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The incident took place on November 20, 2019, when Cooley approached the teenagers inside Primark, claiming he was a security officer. He then persuaded them to follow him to the store's changing rooms with the intent of searching them. A store employee challenged Cooley before he could carry out his plan.

Undeterred, Cooley then led the teenagers towards another area within the shopping centre, attempting to persuade them to enter a cupboard for the search. The teenagers grew suspicious and asked for identification. When Cooley was unable to produce any, they decided to leave.

The victims reported the incident to police, who subsequently arrested Cooley. It was revealed that he was already under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order issued in November 2017. As a result, he was also charged with breaching the terms of this order.