IAN MALCOLM COOKSON SENTENCED IN SOUTHAMPTON FOR SERIOUS SEXUAL OFFENSES IN EASTLEIGH

Ian Malcolm Cookson, aged 55, from Powell Crescent, Totton, was convicted of serious sexual offenses committed in Eastleigh. The incident began when Cookson invited a former friend out for drinks. Afterwards, they returned to her home, where Cookson assaulted her, pinning her down and raping her. During the attack, he also bit her, leaving bruises. Prosecution barrister Mary Aspinall-Miles presented a summary of the victim's personal statement, revealing her feelings of being 'totally broken,' depressed, and having attempted suicide three times. The statement further described how the victim felt completely worthless and became frightened of living alone in her house. Ms. Aspinall-Miles noted that the victim had a history of alcohol problems, which worsened after the incident, leading to her 'effectively self-medicating with alcohol.' She eventually required hospital treatment for an overdose last year. The court highlighted the aggravating circumstances: the offense took place in the victim’s own home, and there was a high level of force used. The victim was particularly vulnerable, and Cookson was aware of this, added Ms. Aspinall-Miles. Cookson appeared at Southampton Crown Court for sentencing on charges of rape, assault by penetration, and sexual assault. He was found guilty of all three charges following a trial held earlier this year. In his mitigation, defense attorney Gemma White argued that Cookson had maintained a good character overall, had a stable family life, and had been a productive member of society through work. She also pointed out that the victim did not appear to be a vulnerable woman and mentioned that Cookson had personal vulnerabilities of his own, notably the significant impact of his mother’s passing on him, which also affected his wider family. Judge Gary Burrell QC described the crimes committed on August 1, 2019, as serious, emphasizing that they were aggravated by Cookson’s alcohol consumption. He sentenced Cookson to a total of five years in prison.