JAMIE COOPER-HAWKINS

HERTFORD SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED

A Hertford man has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register after sexually assaulting a woman during a night out.

Jamie Cooper-Hawkins, aged 33, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Friday 28th February after being found guilty of sexual assault following a trial in December.

The offence occurred in Hertford in May 2022, when Cooper-Hawkins, of Smeaton Court, was caught on CCTV sexually touching a 19-year-old woman’s intimate area over her clothing without her consent.

He was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years and sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work, 30 days of rehabilitation activity, and pay £4,380 in costs.

Investigator Gary Bangs, from the East Herts Local Crime Unit, stated: "This was a despicable crime against a young woman who was simply enjoying a night out with friends.

Women have the right to enjoy their lives without being subjected to inappropriate touching, either from men or anyone else.

I hope this serves as a warning to others that we take these matters seriously and will act accordingly." During the trial, Cooper-Hawkins was found not guilty of a separate charge of sexual assault on a second woman on the same night.