BRIAN COCKER FROM CRIEFF INVOLVED IN SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN PERTH

In October 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving Brian Cocker, a man from Crieff, who engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl in Perth. The incident came to light after the girl, who was living in foster care with her recently-born child, was contacted by Cocker through Facebook. His initial message was a congratulatory note on the birth of her baby, but this seemingly innocent gesture marked the beginning of a troubling and unlawful relationship.

It was revealed during court proceedings that Cocker, aged 27 at the time, was aware of the girl’s young age when he initiated contact. Despite knowing she was only 15, he proceeded to give her alcohol and engage in sexual activity with her over a period of several months. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was in a vulnerable position, living in foster care and caring for her infant, which made her particularly susceptible to exploitation.

The court was informed that Cocker had met the girl through her ex-boyfriend and maintained contact with her even after her mother explicitly warned him to stay away. According to the prosecution, Cocker admitted to having unlawful sexual intercourse with the girl between March 1 and June 30, 2012. The relationship persisted despite these warnings, with Cocker expressing his feelings for her and continuing to meet her regularly, often consuming alcohol and engaging in sexual acts in his flat on Galvelmore Street, Crieff.

During the court hearing, it was noted that the girl had given birth approximately three months prior to the start of the relationship, highlighting her young age and the severity of the situation. The prosecution’s representative, Rebecca Kynaston, emphasized that Cocker was 25 years old when he began this relationship, which he had initially met through her ex-boyfriend. She pointed out that Cocker was fully aware of her age throughout the affair.

Despite the girl moving to a different residence in Perth, which she believed would help her distance herself from Cocker, he continued to contact her via Facebook in November and December. During these communications, he expressed his love and desire to rekindle the relationship. It was only after the girl moved away and the physical distance increased that she felt able to report the matter to the police.

In his police interview, Cocker claimed that the girl had given her consent and that he was aware of her underage status. He expressed remorse, stating, “I feel stupid and embarrassed.”

Sheriff Michael Fletcher, presiding over the case, decided to defer sentencing to allow for the preparation of reports. He also ordered that Cocker’s details be added to the sex offenders register, underscoring the seriousness of his actions and the breach of trust involved in this case.