JACOB COOK FROM WOODHALL SPA CAUGHT IN POLICE STING INVOLVING CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN LINCOLN

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Woodhall Spa, Jacob Cook, a 30-year-old man, was apprehended by law enforcement authorities after a covert police operation uncovered his online predatory behavior. The incident, which took place over a period of several months, involved Cook engaging in explicit conversations with an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl on the Kik messaging app.

During these chats, Cook, who is a university graduate, revealed a disturbing self-confessed interest in young girls. He made explicit sexual suggestions, including offers to guide the girl through sexual acts and even to 'take her virginity.' At one point, Cook claimed to be a rugby coach and referred to himself as a teacher, seemingly in an attempt to build trust with the fictitious minor. Prosecutor Mark Watson stated that it was clear Cook believed he was communicating with a schoolgirl, which underscores the malicious intent behind his actions.

Law enforcement officials became particularly concerned when, during subsequent investigations, they discovered that Cook had applied for clearance to work as a coach for children. This revelation prompted the police to prioritize his case, fearing the potential risk he posed to vulnerable minors.

Following his arrest, authorities conducted a thorough search of Cook’s mobile phone, uncovering over 200 images depicting child sexual abuse, as well as photographs involving bestiality. These findings added a grave dimension to his criminal profile. Cook, residing on King Edward Road in Woodhall Spa, admitted to attempting to incite a 13-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity between December 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016. He also confessed to possessing a total of 230 indecent images of children, categorized into different levels of severity, along with possession of extreme pornographic images involving animals.

In court proceedings at Lincoln Crown Court, Cook was sentenced to three years in prison. The judge also imposed a seven-year sexual prevention order, aimed at restricting his future contact with minors and preventing further offenses. Additionally, Cook was ordered to register as a sex offender, a legal requirement that will follow him for years to come.

Earlier in February 2017, Cook had pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempting to cause or incite a 13-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity, and possessing a significant number of child sexual abuse images. The images included 32 ‘category A,’ 74 ‘category B,’ and 124 ‘category C’ images, all downloaded between February 11 and February 24 of the previous year. He also admitted to possessing two extreme pornographic images involving animals during the same period.

His sentencing was scheduled for March 24, where a probation report and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order were to be considered. As part of his sentence, Cook will also be required to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.