MATTHEW COPE SHAMES NEWARK WITH SEXUAL ASSAULTS AT LOCAL BIRTHDAY PARTY

In June 2022, a man from Newark faced justice after a disturbing series of sexual assaults that took place during a birthday celebration at his family residence. Matthew Cope, a resident of Rutland Avenue in Newark, Nottinghamshire, was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault following a troubling incident that shocked the local community.

According to reports from Nottinghamshire Police, Cope, aged 40, was heavily intoxicated when he engaged in inappropriate and non-consensual physical contact with three women during the festivities. The police revealed that the assaults occurred in the context of a birthday gathering, which initially started at a local pub in Newark. After the event, Cope invited the attendees back to his home, where the situation escalated further.

Witnesses and police accounts indicate that Cope continued to drink excessively at his residence, located on Rutland Avenue, and began making unwelcome sexual advances towards several women present. The situation was compounded by the fact that his partner and other family members were also present during the incident. Despite multiple interventions by those around him, Cope refused to cease his inappropriate behavior. At one point, he reportedly put one of the women in a headlock when she attempted to defend herself and push him away.

Authorities were alerted to the scene in the early hours of October 13, 2019, when officers responded to reports of a disturbance at Cope’s home. Upon arrival, they found him slumped over in his kitchen, visibly intoxicated. He was promptly arrested and taken into custody. The investigation revealed a pattern of misconduct, leading to his eventual conviction.

During the court proceedings, a victim impact statement was read aloud, with one of the women describing her ordeal as having made her “feel physically sick.” The court, recognizing the severity of the offenses, sentenced Cope to 18 months in prison. Additionally, he was placed under a four-year restraining order to prevent any contact with the victims in the future.

This case has garnered significant attention within the Newark community, highlighting the importance of addressing sexual misconduct and ensuring justice for victims. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of alcohol-fueled behavior and the need for vigilance in safeguarding personal boundaries during social gatherings.