LEE COPE FROM MIDDLESBROUGH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN TEESSIDE
In a case that has spanned over two years, Lee Cope, a resident of Middlesbrough, was finally convicted of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl.The incident took place in early 2017, and the case has been marked by delays and concerns over the pace of legal proceedings.
Lee Cope, aged 34 and living on Lambton Road in the Grove Hill area of Middlesbrough, faced charges related to the assault.
Although he initially denied the allegations, the evidence presented during a trial at Teesside Crown Court in April led to his conviction.
The court found him guilty of the serious offence after a thorough examination of the case.
The sentencing hearing was held at Newcastle Crown Court on a recent Wednesday, where Cope received a prison sentence of two years and six months.
Additionally, he was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which imposes strict restrictions aimed at preventing future offences.
Furthermore, Cope will remain on the sex offenders' register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public safety measures.
The case had previously been scrutinized during a hearing at Teesside Magistrates’ Court in August of the previous year.
During that session, District Judge Kristina Harrison expressed her frustration over the slow progress of the case.
She questioned prosecutor Ansab Shan about the lack of evidence presented after nearly 20 months, highlighting the seriousness of such cases and the importance of timely justice.
Judge Harrison remarked, “These are the most serious cases and nobody serves the evidence or does anything about it.
How have we got to the point where, almost two years later, there is no evidence here?” Despite the delays, justice was ultimately served, bringing closure to the victim and reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to addressing sexual offences within the Middlesbrough community and the wider Teesside area.
