SEAHAM CHOIR PERVERT JOHN COOPER ESCAPES JAIL DUE TO HEART CONDITION

In November 1989, a disturbing case involving a local choir director from Seaham, County Durham, drew significant attention. John Cooper, aged 51 and residing on Colling Avenue in Seaham, was accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl following a choir practice session held at a nearby care centre.

The incident was reported and subsequently brought before the courts, where Cooper faced charges of indecent assault. During the proceedings, Cooper admitted to the allegations, acknowledging his inappropriate conduct towards the young girl.

Despite the severity of the accusations, Cooper was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment. Instead, he received a nine-month suspended sentence, meaning he would not serve time in prison unless he committed another offence within the suspension period. Additionally, he was fined £200 as part of his sentence.

Mr. Peter Schofield, representing Cooper, argued that sending his client to prison could be life-threatening due to a pre-existing heart condition. The court accepted this plea, leading to the decision to suspend the sentence and impose a fine, rather than incarceration. The case highlights the complex considerations courts sometimes face when dealing with offenders who have serious health issues, even in cases involving sexual misconduct.