Bishop Auckland pervert Michael Cooper jailed for six years

BISHOP AUCKLAND PERVERT MICHAEL COOPER JAILED FOR SIX YEARS

A pervert who preyed on a vulnerable teenager, Michael Cooper, has been jailed for six years after taking her to secluded areas to have sex.

Cooper knew the girl was underage when he began engaging in sexual activity after making contact on social media.

Teesside Crown Court heard that the 22-year-old used a false name on Snapchat.

The victim had previously been sexually abused by other men, which led to her mobile phone being restricted under a child protection plan.

The court was told that the victim provided police with underwear and details of their meetings.

Police traced Cooper using vehicle recognition technology to his home area in South Auckland, Bishop Auckland, where he committed abuse.

Cooper pleaded guilty to 14 counts of sexual activity with a child, one of sexual communication with a child, and one of meeting a girl under 16 following grooming between August and October 2024.

He targeted a particularly vulnerable child, knowing her background and history of abuse.

The court heard that Cooper threatened to take his own life if she reported him and used Snapchat with a false name to conceal his identity.

He was sentenced to six years and was subjected to a lifelong restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order.