JOHN COOPER SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF BOY IN KIDDERMINSTER AND BLAKEDOWN
In August 2019, John Cooper, who has since been residing on Mill Lane in Blakedown, faced serious criminal charges related to his past offenses.The case, which was brought to court in Worcester, revealed a disturbing history of sexual abuse committed by Cooper against a young boy during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
During the trial at Worcester Crown Court, Cooper, aged 44 and originally from East Street, Kidderminster, made a startling confession.
Overwhelmed by the emotional toll of reliving the events, he admitted to the crimes rather than watching a police interview video of his young victim.
His admission was a significant moment in the proceedings, highlighting his remorse or perhaps his inability to face the full extent of his actions.
Cooper pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including three counts of raping the boy when he was aged 12 and 13, as well as three counts of gross indecency with a child.
The court heard that the abuse took place over a period spanning from August 1999 to August 2001.
The victim, whose identity remains protected, was subjected to a series of increasingly invasive acts, starting with inappropriate touching that appeared to be playful but eventually escalated to oral sex and ultimately rape.
Prosecutor Jonathan Gosling detailed the timeline of the abuse, emphasizing that the victim kept the traumatic experiences secret until October 2002, when he confided in an adult.
This disclosure prompted a police investigation that uncovered the extent of Cooper’s misconduct.
The court was also informed of Cooper’s prior criminal record, which included a conviction in 1976 for indecency with a six-year-old girl.
This previous conviction underscored the ongoing threat he posed to society.
Judge Andrew Geddes addressed the court, describing Cooper as a significant danger to the community.
He expressed particular concern about the impact of the abuse on the victim, noting that the young boy had been left depressed, prone to self-harm, and contemplating suicide as a result of the trauma inflicted upon him.
In sentencing Cooper, the judge ordered that he be registered as a sex offender for life.
Additionally, upon his release from prison, his license would be extended for an extra three years to monitor his behavior and prevent further offenses.
The judge explicitly condemned Cooper’s actions, stating, “You took advantage of this boy and subjected him to serious sexual abuse.” It was also revealed that Cooper’s criminal history included a probation sentence of three years for an attack on a girl when he was 17.
At that time, no other crimes were recorded against him, but the recent case demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior that had persisted over the years.
Overall, the court’s decision reflected the gravity of Cooper’s crimes and the lasting damage inflicted on his victims, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from such predatory conduct.
