COLIN COOPER'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN HULL: TEENAGE GIRL VICTIMIZED AND BLACKMAILED
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Hull, Colin Cooper, aged 51, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of heinous crimes against a teenage girl under his care.The court heard how Cooper, who had previously been convicted of animal cruelty and dishonesty, manipulated and exploited the young victim over a period of five years, beginning when she was just 15 years old.
According to court proceedings, Cooper’s abuse was both psychological and physical.
He meticulously controlled every aspect of the girl’s life, monitoring her communications by reading her texts and Facebook posts.
He also manipulated her emotionally, telling her that they would have a baby together, thereby deepening her sense of dependency and fear.
The grooming process started when Cooper was asked to stay with the girl to help her overcome her fear of the dark.
What appeared to be a caring gesture quickly turned into a nightmare.
The court was told that Cooper threatened her with violence and took away her bank card, effectively blackmailing her into silence about his actions.
His control over her intensified as he used threats and intimidation to keep her compliant.
The abuse reached a horrifying climax when Cooper raped the girl the day after her 16th birthday.
The court heard that he only ceased his assault when he heard her mother knocking on the front door of the family home, indicating how close the victim was to being discovered.
The trauma inflicted on her was profound, and her family was visibly distressed as they watched the sentencing.
Recorder Robin Mairs sentenced Cooper to 12 years in prison, a punishment that reflects the severity of his crimes.
The victim’s family members, present in the public gallery, were moved to tears during the proceedings.
The court also ordered Cooper to be registered on the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct after his release.
Police had detained Cooper on July 26, following his full admission of guilt during questioning.
The case has brought to light the disturbing extent of grooming and abuse that can occur under the guise of caregiving, and it underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding for vulnerable young people in the community of Hull.
