PETER COOLING LEEDS FOOTBALL FAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TRAIN

A 49-year-old man from Leeds has been handed a significant legal penalty following a disturbing incident on a train. Peter Cooling, residing on Holmsley Lane in Leeds, was convicted of sexually assaulting a young woman aged 23 during a journey from London to Leeds. The incident took place on the evening of Sunday, 21 May 2023, while Cooling was traveling home after attending a football match in London with friends.

Cooling appeared before Cambridge Crown Court on Friday, 10 April, where he was found guilty of one count of sexual assault. The court's judgment included a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which restricts him from traveling on trains while under the influence of alcohol or consuming alcohol during train journeys. This measure aims to prevent any future incidents of a similar nature and to protect the public from potential harm.

In addition to the SHPO, Cooling was sentenced to complete 200 hours of unpaid supervised community work. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114 and cover costs amounting to £1,200 to the Crown Prosecution Service. These penalties reflect the seriousness with which the court viewed his actions and serve as a reminder of the legal consequences of such behavior.

The court proceedings detailed the circumstances of the assault. The incident occurred on a busy train departing from Kings Cross railway station, with Cooling and the victim traveling back to Leeds. As the young woman navigated through the crowded carriage to reach the refreshment bar, Cooling sexually assaulted her as she passed by. The assault was witnessed by the victim herself, who immediately reported the incident to two police officers she encountered shortly afterward.

The victim described her experience, stating, "As I squeezed past the group, I felt him sexually assault me. I turned to face the direction it came from and witnessed the same man do it again. His friends didn’t look shocked or concerned. instead they were laughing and jeering. The idea that this kind of behaviour is accepted or encouraged among some football fans is disgusting. We should always try to report these things. It sends a message: this behaviour is not acceptable."

Sergeant Sophie Monaghan commented on the case, emphasizing the seriousness of Cooling’s actions. She stated, “Cooling tried to play off his disgraceful and disgusting behaviour as only being football banter. The victim has shown incredible bravery in reporting this incident immediately and in her support with the investigation. This type of behaviour will never be tolerated, and there are simply no excuses for this behaviour - alcohol and football cannot be blamed.”

Authorities in Leeds and beyond continue to stress that sexual misconduct, especially in public transport settings, will be met with firm legal action. The case serves as a stark reminder that such behaviour is unacceptable and that victims are supported in coming forward to seek justice.