HENRY COOK FROM HALTWHISTLE AND SOUTH SHIELDS: SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE AND PORNOGRAPHY SCANDAL IN NORTHUMBERLAND AND TYNE AND WEAR

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Haltwhistle and South Shields, Henry Cook, also known as Harry, has been convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls and the possession of a vast archive of child pornography. The disturbing revelations emerged during a lengthy court process that uncovered decades of depravity committed by the 62-year-old martial arts expert.

Henry Cook, a highly respected figure in the martial arts world, was initially celebrated for his achievements and contributions to karate. He authored a critically acclaimed book on the martial art and founded the Seijinkai Karatedo Association, which expanded internationally with branches in Ireland, Norway, and the United States. Despite his reputation as a master of both Shotokan and Goju-ryu styles, the truth behind his personal conduct has now come to light, revealing a dark and disturbing pattern of abuse spanning over 26 years.

Cook, originally from South Shields and later residing in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, was a prominent instructor who taught hundreds of children and even traveled abroad to give lessons. His involvement in the martial arts community was extensive, and he was regarded as a leading authority, having studied at Durham University and spent three years teaching in Japan. His life appeared to be dedicated to his sport, but beneath this veneer lay a history of sexual misconduct and exploitation.

In June 2012, Cook was sentenced to ten years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing five young girls, some as young as 11. The court heard that Cook had groomed his victims by giving them gifts such as perfume, books, and revealing clothing, establishing a manipulative relationship of trust. Many of these assaults took place in the privacy of his home’s loft, his mother’s house, abandoned buildings, and even within the dojo where he taught. Shockingly, some of these incidents occurred while his wife and family, who have since disowned him, were at home, unaware of his actions.

One particularly disturbing aspect of the case was Cook’s use of a lesson on how to defend against sex attackers as a cover for his abuse. During this lesson, he sexually assaulted one of his young victims, further illustrating the depth of his depravity. His grooming process often involved befriending the girls, showering them with gifts, and gradually escalating to sexual abuse. The court described his actions as “the most appalling catalogue of sexual depravity,” a phrase that underscores the severity of his crimes.

The investigation also uncovered that Cook possessed an enormous collection of child sexual abuse images—over 55,000 photographs and 600 videos—many of which depicted the victims he had molested. Prosecutor Amanda Rippon highlighted that some of these images directly involved the girls he assaulted, further compounding the gravity of his offenses.

Following his conviction, one of Cook’s victims issued a heartfelt statement expressing her relief and sense of justice. She stated, “After living with the immense horror for over 20 years I feel some justification and I’m relieved that people can now see him for what he truly is. He is the lowest form of predator taking advantage of young and vulnerable girls and abusing his position of trust. I feel total disgust and loathing towards him for all he has done and he is now where he belongs. I hope he remains in prison for a very long time.”

In response, Cook’s family expressed their profound remorse and condemnation of his actions. They issued a statement emphasizing their distress over the revelations and their total disowning of him. They also thanked those who supported the victims and offered help during these difficult times, acknowledging the courage it took for the victims to come forward.

Prior to his sentencing, Cook had already admitted to multiple charges, including indecent assault on two girls in the 1980s and more recent offenses. He faced additional allegations of making and possessing indecent images of children, as well as possessing extreme pornography involving animals. His arrest and subsequent remand in custody have kept him detained since early 2012, with sentencing scheduled for March of the following year.

Throughout his career, Cook was a well-known figure in the martial arts community, renowned for his expertise and international teaching. His contributions to the sport included setting up a martial arts club during his university days and spending years teaching in Japan. His influence extended globally, and he was respected for his knowledge and dedication. However, these achievements have been overshadowed by the revelations of his criminal conduct, which have left a lasting stain on his reputation and the martial arts community at large.