GEORGE COOKE'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN BATH, BRIDGWATER, AND TAUNTON REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Bath, Bridgwater, and Taunton, Geoffrey Cooke, a 74-year-old former priest, has been sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young boy nearly three decades ago.

Cooke, who previously served as the vicar of Holy Trinity and held various roles such as curate and rector across several parishes in the Taunton and Bridgwater areas, was found guilty of six separate charges related to the abuse of a boy who knew him as “Uncle Geoffrey.” The court proceedings, held at Taunton Crown Court, detailed the horrifying nature of the crimes, which spanned from October 1982 to October 1985.

The victim, who was only 11 years old when the abuse began, recounted that Cooke fondled him in a bedroom in Yeovil during that period. The court also heard that Cooke committed two additional indecent assaults while the boy was in a bath in the early 1980s. The abuse was not a one-time event but a series of violations that continued over several years. The victim described how Cooke had told him to keep the incidents a secret, saying, “This is our secret,” which added to the trauma and confusion experienced by the young boy.

One particularly distressing account involved Cooke arranging to drive the boy home and groping him during the journey, an act that further compounded the betrayal of trust. The court was told that at the time, the boy did not fully understand whether what was happening was right or wrong. The abuse persisted until he was 17, leaving a lasting impact on his life.

Prosecutor Martin Steen emphasized the long-lasting effects of the abuse, stating that the victim had struggled significantly since those events. He revealed that the victim had disclosed the abuse early in his marriage and that it continued to influence his mental health and personal life as an adult.

During the trial, Cooke, who now resides on Bluebell Close in Taunton, maintained his innocence. He claimed, “I did not behave in any way inappropriately towards him,” and explained that he had loaned the boy money and kept in touch with him during his twenties. Cooke expressed confusion over the allegations, stating, “I got the impression I was welcome. I have no idea why he should make these allegations against me.” He also insisted that the boy was considerate and truthful but sometimes confused. Cooke denied any sexual attraction towards the boy and suggested that his continued friendliness was an attempt to protect their secret history, asserting, “As far as I am concerned, I am still Uncle Geoffrey.”

Cooke’s ecclesiastical career spanned several years, during which he served as rector of multiple parishes including Staple Fitzpaine, Orchard Portman, Stoke St Mary, and Thurlbear, near Taunton. His career in the church ended with his retirement in 1996.

He was convicted on six counts of indecent assault on a boy between October 1981 and October 1985, as well as two counts of attempted serious sexual assault committed between December 2005 and October 2006. The court’s verdict underscores the gravity of his crimes and the profound impact they have had on his victim’s life.