EDWARD COOPER FROM KILBIRNIE, AYRSHIRE, SENTENCED FOR DECADE OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN EDINBURGH

In September 2002, Edward Cooper, aged 51, was sentenced to six years in prison for a prolonged series of sexual offenses involving a young girl. Cooper subjected his victim to sexual acts from the age of six, in addition to physically assaulting her with slaps and kicks.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Cooper also exposed himself to and abused another six-year-old girl. The court acknowledged Cooper as a high risk of re-offending. Lord Drummond Young remarked on the impact of the abuse on Cooper’s first victim, stating, "It was quite clear from the way she behaved in the witness box that it had a devastating effect on her and her life."

Cooper, a resident of Kilbirnie in Ayrshire, was convicted following an earlier trial of three sexual offenses and an assault. His first victim was targeted from 1974 at Dean Country Park, as well as in houses in Kilmarnock and an Ayrshire hospital. The second victim was abused in 1980.

In addition to his prison sentence, Lord Young imposed a four-year period of licence after Cooper’s release, under strict conditions. He emphasized the importance of protecting the public, particularly children, stating, "I am concerned to ensure the public — that is other children — are protected from harm from you when you are released."