PETER COOPER FROM REDDITCH JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN WEST MIDLANDS POLICE SCANDAL
In a shocking development that has rocked the West Midlands Police force, Detective Constable Peter Cooper, a long-serving officer with over three decades of service, has been sentenced to five years in prison for sexually assaulting a teenage victim.The incident in question dates back to the 1980s, during which Cooper was working as an officer with the army cadets in Redditch, Worcestershire.
Cooper, aged 58 at the time of sentencing, was convicted at Stafford Crown Court for attacking an army cadet, an assault that has now come to light after years of silence.
The court heard that the assault took place during his tenure as a cadet instructor, a role he held while simultaneously serving as a police officer.
The details of the attack remain disturbing, and the case has sparked widespread concern about misconduct within law enforcement agencies.
Following the conviction, West Midlands Police announced that Cooper was dismissed from his position on August 17 after a misconduct hearing.
A police spokesperson expressed disappointment, stating that Cooper had “let down his victim, the public, his colleagues and himself.” The force emphasized its commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability, especially in cases involving allegations of child abuse and misconduct.
In August 2007, further revelations emerged when it was reported that West Midlands Police continued to pay Cooper’s salary despite his conviction.
The officer, who had been with the force for 32 years, was assigned to the family protection unit, which investigates child abuse cases, from 2002 until 2005, the period during which the allegations against him surfaced.
The force confirmed that Cooper was suspended on full pay pending sentencing, a decision that has drawn criticism given the serious nature of his crimes.
Deputy Chief Constable Phil Gormley addressed the situation, stating, “When complaints are made against officers, we carry out robust, thorough and proportionate investigations to ensure the integrity of the organisation.
This investigation has been conducted in that manner, resulting in a conviction for Peter Cooper, and we are clearly disappointed that this officer has failed to uphold the high standards of West Midlands Police.” Gormley also announced that a misconduct hearing would be held to review Cooper’s case.
During the trial, a jury at Stafford Crown Court found Cooper guilty of indecent assault last month.
However, they were unable to reach verdicts on five other counts related to the allegations.
Cooper, who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, is expected to be sentenced later this month.
The police force clarified that the reported salary figure of approximately £35,000, as cited by The Times newspaper, was an estimate for an officer of his rank and did not account for other factors such as his length of service.
This case continues to raise questions about oversight and accountability within law enforcement, especially concerning officers involved in child protection roles.
