MALCOLM COOPER

COUNTY DURHAM MAN, 84, JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

Malcolm Cooper, an 84-year-old man from Pasture Row, Eldon, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, has been sentenced to five years in prison for sexually abusing a young girl over several years.

The court heard that Cooper routinely engaged in sexual offences whenever he had the opportunity, often giving gifts to the victim before asking for favors.

The abuse only came to light when the girl realized her behavior was wrong as she grew older.

The victim expressed her hatred towards Cooper, stating, "I cannot express how much hate I have towards him.

I hope he will stay in prison for the rest of his life." Prosecutor Shaun Dodds revealed that Cooper would sexually assault the girl when alone with her, and that the victim became aware of the abuse as she got older and refused to visit his home to prevent escalation.

The court found Cooper guilty of multiple offences, including sexual assault on a child.

Judge Stephen Ashurst sentenced him to five years in prison, noting that the offences were opportunistic, repeated, and caused long-lasting trauma.

Cooper was also issued with an indefinite restraining order, a sexual harm prevention order, and required to sign the sex offenders register for life.

The court was told that Cooper's family was devastated by the conviction, and his mitigating solicitor urged the judge to consider his failing health and old age during sentencing.