CRAIG COOPER FROM CAMBORNE CAUGHT WITH NEARLY HALF A MILLION CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND VIDEOS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Camborne, Craig Cooper, aged 44, was found to possess an extraordinarily large collection of child abuse images and videos, leading to a significant police investigation and subsequent sentencing. The severity of the material was so overwhelming that law enforcement officials decided to cease categorizing the images, highlighting the extent of Cooper’s illicit collection.

According to court records, Cooper, residing on Enys Road in Camborne, appeared before Truro Crown Court to face charges related to his possession of indecent images of children and extreme pornography. He pleaded guilty to three charges, which prompted the judge, Simon Carr, to deliver a stern sentence. During the proceedings, the prosecution, led by Ramsay Quaife, detailed the police operation that uncovered the disturbing content.

In May of the previous year, police executed a search warrant at Cooper’s residence, seizing a laptop and a hard drive. The investigation revealed a staggering total of 514 Category A images, which are classified as the most severe. Of these, 384 were videos. Additionally, authorities found 120 Category B images, including 59 videos, and 2,645 Category C images, with 59 videos. Due to the overwhelming volume of material, law enforcement officials decided to stop further categorization, estimating that Cooper possessed over 400,000 indecent images of children in total.

During police interviews, Cooper admitted to using peer-to-peer file-sharing software to access and download the illicit material. The content was particularly disturbing, depicting girls aged between three and five being digitally penetrated, girls aged six to eight being forced to perform oral sex, and girls aged eight to ten being raped. The collection also included footage of a woman engaging in sexual acts with a dog, further emphasizing the depravity involved.

Judge Carr, in his sentencing remarks, highlighted the gravity of the case, stating, “In April 2019, police searched your house and computer and found a staggering number of child abuse images. There were so many that eventually the police stopped counting, and some of the films were of considerable length.” The judge’s comments underscored the heinous nature of Cooper’s crimes and the extensive harm caused by his actions.

It is also noteworthy that Cooper’s criminal history includes an earlier conviction from July 2005, when he was caught with more than 2,000 indecent images of children. At that time, he was 29 years old and residing in Camborne. He faced 17 charges related to possession and making of indecent images of children by computer. Cooper pleaded guilty and was registered as a sex offender, with the possibility of serving time in prison. Despite his prior conviction, he continued to engage in such criminal behavior, which ultimately led to the recent, more severe charges and sentencing.