DJ jailed for grooming and assault on child

DJ JAILED FOR GROOMING AND ASSAULT ON CHILD

A man in his 70s who worked as a DJ at various parties and events has been sentenced for grooming and indecently assaulting a 12-year-old girl.

Nicholas Cooper was in his 40s at the time of the offenses, which occurred in the 1990s in Mid Devon.

The victim, now an adult, stated that the abuse caused her substantial psychological harm she kept bottled up for decades before revealing the facts.

The court was told that Cooper engaged in grooming behaviours, including asking her to write a card expressing her love and attempting to cover his tracks by saying "nobody needs to know about this." The offenses included him kissing the girl and groping her in various locations, including his car.

Prosecutor Rowan Jenkins described it as "a degree of grooming." Cooper, of Warren Close, Payhembury, was found guilty of multiple charges of indecent assault and is now serving a prison sentence.

He was sentenced to three years and four months, required to serve half in custody, and to sign the sex offender register for life.

Judge James Adkin emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, "Over a significant number of months you were involved in the sexual touching of this child." The court noted that the victim was psychologically affected by the abuse, which was uncovered after many years.