COLIN COOPER OF HATTERSLEY AND WYTHENSHAWE SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a case that has spanned decades and involved multiple victims, Colin Cooper, also known by his former name Alan Makinson, has been sentenced to serve a lengthy prison term for a series of heinous child sexual offenses committed in the areas of Hattersley and Wythenshawe. The crimes, which date back to the 1970s and 1980s, have left a lasting impact on the victims, many of whom have only recently found the courage to come forward.

Cooper, now aged 61 and residing on Sylvester Close in Hattersley, was convicted of numerous sexual assaults that took place over a period of several years. His criminal activities included abusing children while babysitting them, during karate lessons, and on camping trips. His initial conviction, which resulted in an 18-year prison sentence, was handed down last summer after he admitted to multiple charges. However, the story did not end there.

Following an appeal, three additional victims stepped forward, revealing that they had been subjected to abuse between the mid-1970s and early 1980s. This new information prompted further investigation, leading to Cooper’s arrest and subsequent re-sentencing. At Manchester Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to an additional 21 counts of rape and sexual assault, which resulted in a second prison term of 14 years. These sentences are to run concurrently with his original 18-year term, meaning he faces a total of 18 years behind bars. Furthermore, Cooper remains on the Sex Offenders Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Detective Constable Grace Hulse, a member of the South Manchester Child Abuse Investigation Team, expressed her commendation for the victims’ bravery. She stated, “These new victims have shown incredible strength coming forward after all these years. This investigation was about getting closure for the new victims so they can finally move on after years of suffering. Today’s sentence shows once again how seriously we take allegations of sexual abuse, no matter how far back the offending occurred.”

Historically, Cooper’s criminal record includes a previous conviction from July 2011, when he was sentenced to 18 years for similar offenses. That case revealed that Cooper, who was then living in Hattersley and Wythenshawe, had continued to prey on children even after serving a prior sentence. His homes in these areas were described as “magnets for children,” whom he lured into his garden with treats and manipulated into performing sexual acts. His methods were bizarre and cruel, involving forcing victims to eat raw meat from pigs’ heads as a form of punishment, and using his pet Alsatians to prevent escape.

Victims with learning difficulties were particularly targeted, often being enticed with small gifts or treats before being subjected to abuse. Cooper’s tactics included locking children in rooms, blocking their escape routes, and making them eat the meat he fed them as a form of punishment. His criminal activities spanned from 1984 to 2002, at addresses in Wythenshawe and Tameside. Despite a previous conviction in 1986 for child sex crimes, including rape, Cooper changed his name and continued his predatory behavior undetected for years.

The impact on his victims has been profound. Prosecutor Alaric Bassano highlighted the long-lasting trauma inflicted by Cooper’s actions, noting that many victims suffer from flashbacks, depression, guilt, and difficulty trusting others. One victim told police, “my life has been miserable,” while another remarked, “he has wrecked my life.”

Police are actively seeking to identify any additional victims who may have been abused by Cooper. His arrest in March 2009 was prompted by a man in his thirties coming forward, revealing that he had been abused 25 years earlier. This revelation led to the uncovering of other victims who had previously remained silent. Detective Constable Hulse emphasized the importance of victim bravery, stating, “It is only down to the bravery of his victims that we are able to put this man where he belongs behind bars. I believe today’s sentence demonstrates that we take allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously and will investigate thoroughly, no matter how long ago the offences occurred.”