JASON COOPER SENTENCED IN RHYL FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT THAT SHOOK TEENAGE VICTIM'S WORLD

In July 2021, a young girl from Rhyl bravely shared the profound and lasting impact that a sexual assault had on her life, describing how the traumatic incident transformed her perception of the world around her into a frightening and unsafe place.

The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, recounted how the assault, carried out by 27-year-old Jason Cooper, drastically altered her emotional well-being and daily life. She explained that prior to the attack, she was a confident and lively individual who enjoyed social activities and had a positive outlook. However, following the assault, her demeanor changed dramatically, and she found herself overwhelmed by misery and a loss of self-confidence.

Cooper, residing on Coast Road in Rhyl, faced trial at Caernarfon Crown Court after denying the charge of sexual assault that occurred on April 12, 2020. Despite his denial, the court found him guilty after a thorough trial process. During the proceedings, a victim impact statement was read aloud by prosecutor Anna Pope on behalf of the teenage girl. In her statement, she described the incident's devastating effects, stating, "The incident had a huge impact on me and my life... prior to the incident I was a confident outgoing girl who enjoyed life. I feel like I went from being the happiest girl to the most miserable and losing my confidence as a result."

She further detailed how her mental health deteriorated, revealing that she began experiencing frequent panic attacks—up to three times daily—and developed a pervasive sense of fear towards others. Her sleep was severely disrupted, often requiring her to sleep with the light on due to nightmares. The trauma also led her to suffer from recurring flashbacks and low moods, for which she is currently receiving support through mental health services, specifically CAMHS.

The young victim also shared the academic toll the assault took on her, confessing that she lost motivation and even abandoned her aspiration of becoming a social worker. She described her struggles with daily routines, stating, "Some days it was a challenge just for me to get out of bed."

In sentencing, Judge Mr Recorder Wyn Lloyd Jones acknowledged that the assault was brief but emphasized that the duration did not lessen its seriousness or the harm inflicted. He condemned Cooper's actions, stating, "You targeted her in my opinion... you did it for your own selfish sexual gratification." The court also imposed a restraining order and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order to protect the victim and prevent future offenses.

Following the sentencing, Cooper reacted with anger and shouted from the dock, using explicit language to express his disdain for the proceedings, calling it a "f*****g joke," a "f*****g bulls**t," and describing the situation as "pathetic." His outburst underscored the ongoing tension and the gravity of the case, which has left a lasting scar on the young victim from Rhyl.