KEEFER COOPER FROM ROMFORD: SHOCKING REDUCTION IN SENTENCE WHILE ON THE RUN IN THE PHILIPPINES

In a disturbing development that has sparked widespread outrage, the case of Keefer Cooper, a convicted sex offender from Romford, has taken a controversial turn. Cooper, aged 70, was sentenced to ten years in prison in his absence for heinous crimes involving the abuse of two young girls, one of whom was only six years old at the time of the assaults.

Cooper managed to evade justice for over three years after fleeing the United Kingdom in 2009. During his time abroad, he was allowed to retain his passport despite being on court bail, which enabled him to travel freely. From his hideout in the Philippines, Cooper took legal action by instructing lawyers in London to appeal his original sentence. This move resulted in a significant reduction, with his jail term being slashed from ten years to just seven.

The appeal was heard in the High Court, where Mrs Justice Dobbs presided alongside Lord Justice Thomas and Mrs Justice Sharp. The court acknowledged that Cooper deserved a substantial sentence; however, they found that the case did not contain the “very serious” aggravating factors necessary to justify the original ten-year term. The judges’ decision has been met with widespread criticism, especially given the nature of the crimes and the fact that Cooper was not present during the appeal.

Following the legal proceedings, Cooper was eventually located and extradited back to the United Kingdom. Members of Scotland Yard’s Extradition Squad flew him from the Philippines to Heathrow Airport, where he was taken into custody. His return has reignited public outrage and calls for justice to be properly served.

Reactions to the case have been fierce. Tory MP Philip Davies expressed his disapproval, stating, “The courts should be looking to increase this man’s sentence, not reduce it.” Justice campaigners Shy Keenan and Dr Sara Payne, representing The Sun’s Justice Campaign, demanded that Attorney General Dominic Grieve investigate the case thoroughly. They condemned the judiciary’s decision to allow Cooper to appeal his sentence in his absence, calling it “disgusting.”

The mother of Cooper’s victims has voiced her profound disappointment and anger, describing the justice system as “worse than useless.” She expressed her feelings of betrayal, saying, “I feel angry and betrayed.”

It was revealed that Cooper, a retired plumber from Romford, Essex, had committed a series of sexual assaults over a period of five years. His crimes came to light in May 2009 when he was arrested following investigations into the abuse of the two young girls. The case continues to evoke strong emotions and debate about the adequacy of the justice system in handling such serious offences.