OLIVER COOPER AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN STAFFORDSHIRE
A former scout leader from Staffordshire has been sentenced to prison for heinous acts of sexual assault committed against two young girls at camps he assisted in organizing and supervising.The man, Oliver Cooper, who was once a soldier in the Household Cavalry for four years and previously served as a Beaver Scout leader, carried out these disturbing acts more than two years ago.
The investigation into Cooper's crimes was triggered when a young girl bravely reported to police that she had been inappropriately touched by him during a scouting event.
This courageous admission prompted authorities to launch a thorough inquiry.
During their investigation, law enforcement officials uncovered disturbing visual evidence on Cooper's phone and laptop, which included images and videos depicting children undressing in private settings, further illustrating the disturbing nature of his actions.
At the time of his arrest, Cooper was 27 years old and lived in Hopton, Stafford.
The police soon confirmed that his offenses included two counts of sexual assault on a girl aged six, another six-year-old girl who was also a victim of sexual assault, as well as one count of taking indecent photographs of a child.
Additional charges included 13 counts of voyeurism, reflecting a pattern of predatory behavior.
The case was brought before Lewes Crown Court, where Judge Stephen Mooney delivered a stern sentence, sentencing Cooper to six years in prison.
The judge also issued a lifetime ban on Cooper working with children or vulnerable adults, underscoring the gravity of his betrayals In his remarks, Judge Mooney described the crimes as a 'colossal breach of trust,' emphasizing how Cooper, once a calm and trusted figure within the scouting community, had shattered that trust through his actions.
The judge also highlighted Cooper's apparent lack of remorse for his offenses, which only compounded the severity of his sentence.
The investigation was led by detectives from the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigation Unit, who moved swiftly after the initial complaint.
The young girl who first came forward demonstrated remarkable bravery in revealing her experience, supported throughout the process by specially trained officers.
Subsequently, a second victim, also a six-year-old girl, disclosed she had been sexually assaulted by Cooper, confirming a disturbing pattern of behavior.
Detective Constable Rees Hopcraft of Sussex Police expressed admiration for the victims' courage, stating, "The young girls involved showed tremendous bravery throughout the investigation and were supported by specially trained officers." Despite the incontrovertible evidence, Cooper maintained his innocence during proceedings, which forced the victims to give their evidence via video link to the court—an ordeal that showcased their resilience.
Prior to his involvement with scouting, Cooper was studying law at Sussex University.
His military service in the Household Cavalry further shaped his background before turning to this dark chapter of his life.
Police confirmed that the Scouts Association cooperated fully with the investigation and that all parents of children involved in the scouting activities have been kept informed.
Authorities have assured that there is currently no ongoing safeguarding risk to any children.
As part of his sentencing, Cooper was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
Additionally, he was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will remain in effect until further notice, severely limiting his contact with children.
He has also been disqualified from working with children and vulnerable adults for life.
Reacting to the verdict, an NSPCC representative stated, "By committing these horrific crimes, Cooper betrayed the trust placed in him by the children he was supposed to protect, as well as their parents and guardians.
It will have taken great bravery for one of the girls to tell police what Cooper had done, but her actions have helped bring this appalling abuser to justice." The case highlights the importance of safeguarding measures and the ongoing need to protect children from individuals who abuse their trust.
Victims of such crimes are provided with all necessary support to help them recover and move forward from their traumatic experiences.
