BRENDAN COONEY CORBY PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD AND RECENT CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a disturbing case that spans over three decades, Brendan Cooney, a resident of Corby, has been convicted and sentenced for committing heinous sexual offenses against young girls. The court proceedings, held at Northampton Crown Court, revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that has left a lasting impact on his victims and the community.

According to court records, Cooney first assaulted a seven-year-old girl in 1969 when he was just 15 years old. The incident occurred while the two were watching television, and it was characterized by inappropriate sexual contact. Judge Tom Corrie described this early offense as indicative of abnormal sexual development and expressed regret that Cooney was not convicted at the time. The judge emphasized the severity of the behavior, stating, “That episode showed that your sexual development and expression of sexual needs was abnormal. It is a shame you were not convicted of that offence in 1969.”

More than 30 years later, Cooney committed a similar assault on a 13-year-old girl in October 2000. This second attack was reportedly unplanned and occurred after Cooney had consumed alcohol—specifically, two cans of lager and two vodkas. The court heard that what began as innocent tickling and playful behavior was misinterpreted by the young girl, but Cooney’s actions were deemed wholly inappropriate and dangerous. The judge described him as “a danger to young girls,” highlighting the ongoing threat he posed to the community.

The recent incident prompted the victim from 2000 to come forward and report her experience to the police, which ultimately led to Cooney’s arrest and subsequent trial. The jury at Northampton Crown Court found him guilty of both offenses last month, confirming the pattern of predatory conduct.

During sentencing, Judge Corrie sentenced Cooney to 12 months in prison for the 1969 offense and 30 months for the 2000 attack, with both sentences to run concurrently. Additionally, Cooney was ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, reflecting the court’s view of him as a persistent threat to children.

Andrew Howarth, representing Cooney, attempted to mitigate his client’s actions by stating that Cooney had “controlled himself” for many years between the two incidents. He argued that the 2000 attack was unplanned and influenced by alcohol consumption, asserting that Cooney is “not a slave to his passions and can keep his impulses under control.” Despite these claims, the court recognized the danger posed by Cooney’s behavior and the need for lifelong monitoring to protect potential future victims.