DANGEROUS SEX OFFENDER DAVID COOPER SENTENCED IN LANARKSHIRE AND STIRLINGSHIRE

A man aged 38, identified as David Cooper, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence of 12 years following a series of serious sexual and violent crimes committed across the regions of Lanarkshire and Stirlingshire. The sentencing took place today, Friday, 5 July, 2024, at the High Court in Glasgow, after Cooper was convicted on the same day, marking a significant milestone in a case that spanned over two decades.

These heinous offences were perpetrated against four women over a period stretching from 2002 to 2022, highlighting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that persisted for nearly 20 years. The crimes included acts of sexual abuse and violence, which have left lasting scars on the victims and their families. In addition to the prison term, Cooper has been subjected to non-harassment orders directed at each of the four women, aiming to prevent any further contact or intimidation.

Detective Inspector Cheryl Gebbie expressed her condemnation of Cooper’s actions, stating, “David Cooper is a dangerous individual who has committed a variety of serious crimes against his victims, subjecting them to sexual abuse and violence.” She emphasized the impact on the victims and their loved ones, acknowledging the emotional toll and the difficulty they faced in coming forward.

Inspector Gebbie also conveyed a message of support and reassurance, saying, “We acknowledge how difficult this has been for Cooper’s victims and their families. We hope that his conviction and sentencing will bring them some comfort, and our thoughts remain with them.” She further urged anyone who might have experienced similar abuse to come forward, stating, “We would like to take this opportunity to reach out to any victims of sexual and physical violence to please report it to police. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work closely with our partner agencies to support victims involved.”