YORKSHIRE OFFENDER QUINTIN COCU SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AND INDECENT IMAGES
A child sex offender from Yorkshire, Quintin Cocu, has been sentenced to prison after police uncovered thousands of indecent images, including some involving animals.Authorities discovered more than 30,000 images linking Cocu, of Sandall Stones Road in Kirk Sandall, Doncaster, to the abuse of a young girl.
Sheffield Crown Court was informed that police, who seized the images, connected them to a young girl whom Cocu had molested over several years during her childhood.
When officers visited her, she broke down in tears.
The court heard that 50-year-old Cocu possessed 37,270 indecent images of children, 2,623 prohibited images, and 281 extreme pornographic images primarily involving animals.
Prosecutor Richard Sheldon stated, "Some of the images had faces posted onto indecent activities, and police were able to link Cocu to his victim." He added, "She broke down in tears, and she had been molested for many years." Cocu, who has no previous criminal convictions, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including raping a child under 13, assault by penetration of a child, sexual assault of a child under 13, engaging in sexual activity with a child, and causing a child to watch a sexual act.
Mr.
Sheldon recounted that during a four-year period of abuse, Cocu forced the victim to perform oral sex on him—acts legally considered rape—and molested her body, made her touch him sexually, and showed her pornographic images.
Police initially visited Cocu’s home after becoming aware of the indecent images.
Mr.
Sheldon explained, "On October 5, 2019, police knew the defendant possessed indecent images at his Doncaster address.
In January 2020, they raided his home and recovered his mobile phone, a computer tower, and an external hard drive, uncovering a vast collection of indecent images of minors." The images included 5,287 Category A (most serious), 6,460 Category B, and 25,523 Category C images, along with the prohibited and extreme images previously mentioned.
Further investigation allowed officers to link Cocu to the victim, who cannot be publicly identified for legal reasons.
Defense barrister Abdul Latif Shakoor expressed remorse on Cocu’s behalf, stating, "He is full of regret and remorse and has sought help through a group aimed at addressing issues that may have contributed to his offending." He added, “He is ashamed and profoundly regrets what has happened.
He wishes to apologise to her and everyone affected.” Judge Graham Reeds QC delivered the sentence during a hearing on April 11.
Cocu was sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison, consisting of one year for possessing indecent images, followed consecutively by ten years for the sexual offences against the girl, with an additional year extended to his license based on concerns about his risks.
The judge emphasized that Cocu would not be eligible for early release and would remain in custody until the parole board deems him safe.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same duration.
