KRISTOFFER COOK FROM PETERLEE JAILED FOR REPEATED SEX OFFENCES IN COUNTY DURHAM

In May 2022, Kristoffer Cook, a convicted sex offender residing in Peterlee, was sentenced to prison following a series of serious breaches of his legal restrictions and ongoing criminal behavior involving minors. The case highlights the persistent dangers posed by individuals with a history of sexual offenses, especially when they violate court orders designed to protect vulnerable children.

Cook, who has been convicted multiple times for sexual offenses, was found to be engaging in inappropriate online communication with a teenage girl via Snapchat, despite being under a sexual harm prevention order. This order was imposed after his previous conviction for attempting to incite a child into sexual activity, and it was meant to restrict his access to online platforms and prevent further offenses.

At the time of the latest incident, Cook was 29 years old and living on Fulwell Road in Peterlee. He appeared at Durham Crown Court via video link from HMP Durham to face charges related to breaching his sexual harm prevention order, failing to comply with notification requirements, and engaging in sexual communication with a minor. Cook had previously pleaded guilty to these charges during an earlier hearing.

Prosecutor Michael Cahill detailed the events leading up to Cook’s arrest. In January of that year, Cook was assigned a police officer responsible for monitoring his compliance with the court’s restrictions. During a scheduled meeting on January 13, Cook claimed he did not own any device capable of accessing the internet, a statement that was later proven false.

Further investigation revealed that on February 28, police received information indicating Cook had a Snapchat account. Officers visited his parents’ home, where he was living at the time, and inquired about his access to the internet. Cook initially produced two basic mobile phones that did not have internet access. After being cautioned and arrested, Cook became visibly upset and produced an LG mobile phone from the sofa, admitting that he used it to access Snapchat and expressing remorse for his actions.

Analysis of the LG phone confirmed that Cook had been messaging an underage girl on Snapchat. During these exchanges, Cook asked the girl her age, inappropriately inquired whether she was wearing a bra, and requested to see her bra. He also told her, “I want you,” indicating a clear intent to engage in sexual communication. Cook later admitted to purchasing the phone himself and failing to disclose this to the police.

It was also revealed that Cook had two prior convictions for similar offenses. In May 2018, he received a suspended sentence for attempting to incite a child into sexual activity. Then, in July 2020, he was jailed for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor. His current sexual harm prevention order is set to last until 2028.

Judge James Adkin, the Recorder of Durham, described Cook’s actions as a “very serious breach” of court orders. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “It’s clear you wanted more sexual communication with a child and your previous convictions do you no favours. It’s not the first time you have done these sort of things.” As a result, Cook was sentenced to 20 months in prison.

In a related case from May 2018, Cook was finally sentenced for grooming a child online. It was revealed that he, then working at McDonald's, had been communicating via Instagram with a 10-year-old boy, seeking sexual activity and requesting naked photos. Fortunately, Cook’s sister discovered the messages and intervened, preventing further harm. The police traced the Instagram account back to Cook, confirming his involvement.

He was also charged with grooming a 14-year-old decoy from the online child protection team ‘Geordie Chaser’. The court sentenced him to a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years, along with a 45-day rehabilitation order and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

Additionally, in March 2018, Cook’s sentencing was postponed so he could enjoy a holiday in the Lake District. He had been found guilty of attempting “penetrative sexual activity” with a child under 16 but was allowed to delay sentencing at the request of his defense, pending a psychiatric assessment. The judge, Judge Amanda Rippon, warned him that he faced jail but permitted the delay, citing his emotional and educational difficulties. Cook, then 24, stood silent during the plea hearing, which was part of the ongoing legal proceedings against him.

Overall, Kristoffer Cook’s case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals with a history of sexual offenses who continue to breach restrictions and engage in illegal activities involving minors. His repeated violations and the court’s response reflect the seriousness with which such cases are treated in County Durham.