GEORGE COOPER FROM MIDDLESBROUGH SENTENCED FOR GROOMING SCHOOLGIRL AND INVOLVEMENT IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
In a disturbing case that has shocked the Middlesbrough community, Geoffrey Cooper, aged 45, was convicted and sentenced for a series of serious sexual offenses involving a schoolgirl.The incidents took place over a two-week period in March, during which Cooper engaged in manipulative and predatory behavior that has left lasting scars on the victim.
According to court reports, Cooper successfully persuaded the teenage girl to send explicit photographs of herself.
He also sent her suggestive messages and indecent images of himself, creating a pattern of grooming that was both calculated and relentless.
The court was told that Cooper maintained daily contact through a chat stream, many of his messages being described as “very graphic” by prosecutor Rosalind Scott Bell.
The victim, overwhelmed and distressed, eventually sent Cooper a message pleading for him to leave her alone, expressing her anguish by saying, “I hate what you have turned me into.” Her father provided additional insight into the emotional toll the ordeal has taken on his daughter.
He stated that her personality has drastically changed since the investigation began.
Once a bubbly and happy individual, she has become emotionally fragile, often crying and feeling guilty about the events.
The court heard that she has also engaged in self-harming behaviors, highlighting the severe impact of Cooper’s actions.
Further complicating the case was the fact that Cooper’s interest in the girl was sparked after he learned she had been communicating with another man, Ethan Jones.
Jones, aged 23, was sentenced to three years in prison in September after admitting to charges related to meeting a child following sexual grooming.
It was revealed that Jones had moved from Manchester to North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, specifically to be closer to the girl, raising concerns about the extent of the grooming network involved.
During the court proceedings, Graham Brown, representing Cooper, expressed that his client felt “overwhelming remorse” for his actions.
He emphasized that there was no physical contact between Cooper and the girl, but acknowledged the gravity of the charges.
Cooper, who resides on Gifford Street in Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, as well as two counts of causing or inciting child pornography, and possession of indecent photographs of a child.
Judge Deborah Sherwin sentenced Cooper to two years and eight months in prison.
Additionally, she ordered that he be banned from having unsupervised contact with girls under the age of 16.
Cooper was also required to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and was subjected to restrictions on his internet use, reflecting the court’s concern about his potential for reoffending.
In a related case from December 2014, Cooper faced further serious allegations.
He admitted to causing and inciting a schoolgirl to become involved in pornography, as well as encouraging her to participate in sexual activities online.
The charges included causing and inciting the girl to engage in sexual acts, and possessing four indecent photographs of a child.
Prosecutor Rosalind Scott Bell highlighted that the case was primarily based on text messages and photographs exchanged between Cooper and the victim.
Defense lawyer Graham Brown noted that Cooper had expected to be sentenced and described him as a man of previously good character who had fully cooperated with authorities.
He mentioned that a probation report recommended a non-custodial sentence, citing Cooper’s genuine remorse.
However, Judge Michael Taylor was clear in his stance, indicating that a custodial sentence was inevitable given the severity of the offenses.
Cooper’s bail was revoked, and he was remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing scheduled for December 19.
The judge warned Cooper that custody was “inevitable,” and he remains on the sex offenders’ register, with strict conditions imposed on his internet use and contact with minors.
