ROBERT COPE FROM BLACKBURN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN PRESTON
In April 2018, a man from Blackburn named Robert Cope was sentenced to nine months in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.The incident took place in September of the same year and was brought to light during a trial at Preston Crown Court.
According to court proceedings, the young victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was subjected to inappropriate physical contact by Cope.
Specifically, he groped her through her clothing, an act that has left a lasting impact on her mental health and daily life.
The victim, in a heartfelt statement read out in court, described her ongoing struggles with sleep, referring to it as her 'enemy.' She revealed that the traumatic experience had significantly affected her ability to relax and feel safe, with her thoughts often returning to the incident.
She expressed that she finds it difficult to sleep and that everything around her now feels unfamiliar and unsettling.
Prosecutor Jane Dagnall highlighted the emotional toll on the young girl, noting that she is now afraid to sit next to boys at school.
The victim’s statement conveyed her feelings of fear and confusion, emphasizing how deeply the assault has disrupted her sense of security and normalcy.
Robert Cope, aged 30 at the time, was convicted by a jury after a trial that confirmed his guilt in sexually assaulting the young girl.
The court heard that the assault occurred on September 10, and that Cope’s actions were deliberate and targeted.
Despite the assault not being physically violent in the traditional sense, the court recognized the severity of the act, especially given the victim’s age and vulnerability.
During the hearing, Cope’s defense attorney, Rachel Cooper, stated that Cope, who resides on Vincent Street in the Ewood area of Blackburn, was previously regarded as a man of good character.
She emphasized that he had no prior criminal record and that his reputation had been tarnished by this incident.
Cooper also mentioned that Cope had left his previous employment by mutual agreement, acknowledging that his work involved interactions with vulnerable adults.
As a result of his conviction, Cope was placed on the sex offenders register, a measure intended to monitor and prevent further offenses.
Judge Lloyd delivered a stern judgment, condemning Cope’s actions.
He stated, “You took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability.
You were viewed as a nice man, but this is not how a good man behaves in any circumstances.
You touched her on the first occasion on September 10.
You sexually assaulted her, not in the greatest manner, but enough for her to understand that what you did was wrong, and so did you.
She told her teacher at school.
The groping was over clothing.
She knows it’s not her fault.” The judge further remarked that references had previously described Cope as trustworthy with children, which starkly contrasted with his recent actions.
He concluded by emphasizing the deliberate nature of the assault, stating, “This was a sexual act against a 12-year-old girl.
It was quite deliberate.”
