LEE COOK FROM PETERLEE JAILED FOR TRYING TO MEET BOY FOR SEX IN COUNTY DURHAM

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Peterlee, Lee Cook, a former mayor of the town, has been sentenced to a year in prison after attempting to meet a minor for sexual activity. The incident was uncovered during an undercover operation conducted by the anti-child abuse organization Guardians of the North, which specializes in online child protection efforts.

According to court proceedings held at Durham Crown Court, Cook, aged 26 and residing at Quantock Place in Peterlee, engaged in a series of explicit communications with what he believed was a 15-year-old boy. These messages included sending intimate photographs of himself, clearly indicating his desire to meet the minor for sexual purposes. Prosecutor Robin Turton detailed that Cook’s messages explicitly expressed his intent to meet the boy for sex, revealing a disturbing level of grooming behavior.

Lee Cook admitted to attempting to meet a boy under the age of 16 following grooming efforts, a charge that underscores the seriousness of his actions. His defense, represented by Penny Bottomley, highlighted Cook’s prior contributions to the community, suggesting that he had been a positive figure locally. She also mentioned that Cook had been targeted by neighbors, which led to him relocating his residence. Despite these arguments, the court, presided over by Recorder Mr. Peter Makepeace, decided on a firm sentence of 12 months in prison. Additionally, Cook was subjected to a five-year order that prohibits him from having any unsupervised contact with children, aiming to prevent further potential harm.

Earlier in August 2017, Cook had already admitted to attempting to groom a child, which led to further legal consequences. During a court appearance at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court, he indicated a guilty plea to trying to meet a boy under 16 after grooming. At that time, Cook was 29 years old and had recently been elected as the youngest mayor in the history of Peterlee. Following his arrest and the admission of guilt, Cook was bailed and scheduled for sentencing at Durham Crown Court on August 25.

As part of his legal obligations, Cook was ordered to register as a sex offender and was barred from having any unsupervised contact with minors under 16. The North East Party, of which Cook was a member, announced that he had been suspended from the party. Similarly, Peterlee Town Council confirmed that Cook had resigned from his position as mayor earlier in the year. Despite his initial promises to serve the community and represent all residents, Cook’s actions have cast a shadow over his reputation. In May, he had expressed pride in being the youngest mayor in Peterlee’s history and committed to engaging with community activities and charitable fundraising efforts. However, his recent conduct has overshadowed these statements, leading to his suspension and legal repercussions.