BRYCE COOKE'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN MANCHESTER: RADIO HOST AND TEACHER SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD CRIMES

In a case that has spanned over four decades, Bryce Cooke, a man known for his role as a religious affairs broadcaster and high school art teacher in Manchester, has been convicted and sentenced for the sexual abuse of a young girl. The disturbing revelations emerged after a lengthy investigation into allegations that had remained hidden for many years.

Cooke, who was widely recognized as the host of the radio program 'Thank God it's Monday,' used his position of influence to exploit his authority both on air and within the educational environment. Unbeknownst to his listeners and students alike, he engaged in a pattern of grooming and molestation against a girl who was only 14 years old at the time. The abuse took place during the early 1970s, a period when Cooke was in his 30s and actively involved in teaching at a school located in Cheadle Hulme, a suburb of Manchester.

The victim, who was then a vulnerable teenager, had already been manipulated by Cooke two years prior to the abuse, when he was a married man and father of three. It was during this period that he began grooming her, establishing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior. The crimes escalated when Cooke, while recording his radio show, offered her a part in a play he was working on, which he then used as an opportunity to molest her. These heinous acts went undetected for 46 years, until the victim, now in her late 50s, decided to come forward.

The catalyst for her decision was reading about recent sex scandals involving figures like Jimmy Savile and paedophile football coaches. Motivated by a desire for justice, she contacted Cooke to inform him that she intended to report him to the police. In her emotional statement to detectives, she revealed the profound and lasting impact of his actions: 'What he did has affected me my whole life. He took away any chance of innocence. He was my teacher and was heavily involved with the church. Instead of having integrity, he used that position of trust to sexually gratify himself.'

The victim also shared that her experiences had led her to remain single for many years, feeling that sex was something that was done to her rather than a mutual act of love. She described feeling numb, worthless, and ashamed, emphasizing the deep psychological scars left by Cooke's abuse. Her courage in speaking out only materialized when she was nearly 60 years old, highlighting the long-lasting effects of suppressed trauma.

Following a thorough legal process, Bryce Cooke was sentenced to six years in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender, a measure intended to monitor his activities and prevent further harm. The judge, Julie Warburton, addressed the court with a stern warning about the gravity of Cooke's misconduct. She stated, 'You were a friendly popular teacher but you used your popularity to take advantage of a young girl. Being a teacher comes with great responsibility. This was not a one-time aberration, but a course of conduct over a four-year period, beginning when the victim was 12 years old.'

This case underscores the devastating and enduring consequences of abuse, especially when committed by trusted figures in positions of authority. It also highlights the importance of speaking out against past crimes, no matter how many years have passed, to ensure justice is served and victims can begin their healing process.