FORMER LONDON POLICE OFFICER DANIEL COOPER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN WOOLWICH
In a significant case that has shocked the London community, Daniel Cooper, a 32-year-old former police officer, has been sentenced to prison for serious sexual offences committed in the past.Cooper, who previously served as a constable with the Metropolitan Police, specifically within the Specialist Crime and Operations unit, was brought before Woolwich Crown Court to face charges related to historic misconduct.
On Monday, 17 September, Cooper received a custodial sentence totaling six years and eight months.
Additionally, he will be registered on the sex offenders register indefinitely, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes and the ongoing concern for public safety.
The court proceedings revealed that Cooper was convicted of one count of indecent assault, which is a violation of section 14 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956.
This conviction followed a trial held at Woolwich Crown Court on 5 July, where the jury found him guilty of this particular offence.
However, the jury acquitted him of several other charges, including a second count of indecent assault (count 3), engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child (count 10), sexual activity with a child (count 11), and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity (count 12).
The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a charge of indecency with a child, which was brought under section 1(1) of the Indecency with Children Act 1960.
Prior to this trial, Cooper had already admitted guilt on multiple counts during a hearing at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, 1 December 2017.
His guilty pleas included four counts of indecency with a child (counts 1, 4, 5, and 7), two counts of indecent assault (counts 2 and 6), and five counts of making indecent photographs of a child (counts 13 through 17).
Cooper's criminal conduct came to light following his arrest on 4 May 2016, amid allegations of historic sexual assault.
His resignation from the Metropolitan Police Service was finalized on Wednesday, 28 February, after the allegations surfaced.
A special misconduct hearing was convened on Thursday, 22 March, to examine whether his actions breached the professional standards expected of police officers.
Cooper chose not to attend this hearing, having already resigned from the force.
The hearing concluded that his conduct was grossly misconductful, and had he still been employed as an officer, he would have been dismissed without notice.
As a result, his name will be submitted for inclusion on the Police Barred List, effectively preventing him from seeking employment within the police service in the future.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities in London to address and penalize sexual misconduct, especially involving individuals in positions of authority and trust.
The community continues to demand accountability and justice for victims of such heinous crimes.
