STEPHEN COOKSEY SENTENCED IN ULVERSTON FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST UNDERAGE GIRL

In September 2012, a man from Barrow, Stephen Cooksey, was sentenced to six years in prison for sexual offences involving a schoolgirl. Cooksey, 44 at the time, was convicted at Preston Crown Court on Friday, September 14, after a jury found him guilty in August. He resides in Stackwood Avenue, Barrow, and had denied five counts of sexual activity with a minor.

During the trial, the court was informed that an adult observer grew suspicious of Cooksey’s interactions with the girl, citing the excessive time she spent on the phone and messaging. Following these concerns, the girl reported to police that she and Cooksey had engaged in sexual activity. Cooksey was arrested but initially denied the allegations.

Throughout the proceedings, Cooksey claimed he was shocked by the accusations and maintained that no such acts had occurred. He stated in court, "I am going to prison. I would rather commit suicide than go to prison." Despite his denial of the sexual activity, Cooksey admitted that he and the girl had once shared a kiss on the cheek.

After a week-long trial, the jury rejected his version of events and convicted him on all five counts. He was subsequently sentenced to six years in prison, with 29 days deducted for the time already served on remand. Additionally, Cooksey was disqualified from working with children for life, placed on the sex offenders register permanently, and ordered to adhere to a 15-year sex offenders prevention order.

As of 2017, Cooksey is now living in Swarthmoor, near Ulverston.