JOHN COOKE OF BEEFORD AND KELK SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the communities of Beeford and Kelk, John Cooke, a 77-year-old man, was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious charges related to the sexual abuse of young girls. The incident, which spanned over a period of seven years, involved Cooke exploiting his position and trust within his local community to prey on vulnerable children.

Cooke, who resided at a cottage on New Road in Kelk during the time of the abuse, targeted five young girls aged between three and seven. The court heard that he used manipulative tactics to lure these children into granting him sexual favors. One of the disturbing details revealed during the trial was that Cooke convinced the young victims that they would learn how to operate his ride-on lawnmower if they cooperated with him, a promise that was clearly a form of exploitation and grooming.

The case came to light after a detailed investigation and a subsequent trial at Hull Crown Court, which lasted three days from March 17 to March 20. During the proceedings, Cooke was found guilty of seven charges of indecency with a child and two charges of indecent assault. The verdict was delivered swiftly by the jury, who took less than three hours to reach a decision.

Following his conviction, Cooke was ordered to register as a sex offender and was released on bail until his sentencing scheduled for April 15. The court heard that Cooke continues to deny his guilt, even to probation officers, which has added to the distress experienced by his victims. His defense attorney, Mark McKone, highlighted Cooke’s health issues, including diabetes, prostate problems, and high cholesterol, during the sentencing hearing.

Judge Michael Mettyear addressed the court and the victims directly, expressing his regret that Cooke had continued to lie about his actions. The judge emphasized the duality of Cooke’s life—one that appeared successful and respectable on the surface, and another dark side that involved the abuse of innocent children. The judge remarked that Cooke’s denial and refusal to admit his guilt had deprived his victims of some measure of closure and had extended their suffering.

The judge also pointed out that if Cooke had shown the courage to admit his wrongdoings earlier, his sentence might have been less severe. Instead, his continued denial meant that he would serve the full term of his sentence, which reflects the gravity of his crimes. The court’s sympathy was extended to the victims, who described in their statements how the abuse had left lasting scars that would likely affect them for the rest of their lives.

John Cooke’s case has brought to light the importance of vigilance within small communities like Beeford and Kelk, where trust is often taken for granted. The community now faces the difficult reality of such betrayal by someone they once considered a neighbor and a family man. As Cooke prepares to serve his sentence, the focus remains on supporting the victims and ensuring that justice is fully served.