PETER COOPER ABUSES GIRL IN PARKSTONE: DORCHESTER COURT SENTENCE

In November 2000, a disturbing case of child abuse emerged involving Peter Cooper, a healthcare worker from Poole, who committed heinous acts against a young girl in the Parkstone area. The court heard how Cooper, aged 49 at the time, subjected the girl, who was only 10 years old, to repeated molestation during a period that spanned over two years.

One of the most troubling aspects of this case was that at least one incident occurred while the girl’s mother was hospitalized for surgery, leaving her vulnerable and alone. The abuse was carried out in a manner that left the young victim terrified and confused, with Cooper engaging in inappropriate touching and fondling over and under her clothing. The girl, overwhelmed by fear, confided in a schoolfriend, which prompted her to contact the charity Childline. The child’s disclosures led to further investigation and ultimately to Cooper’s arrest.

During the court proceedings at Dorchester Crown Court, it was revealed that Cooper had pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault. Prosecutor Francis Chamberlain described the victim’s experience as akin to a nightmare, emphasizing the fear and trauma she endured. He stated, “She was scared — it was like a nightmare. He would tickle her and touch her over and underneath her clothing. Neither of them would say anything.”

It was also disclosed that Cooper had fondled the girl while her mother was undergoing treatment at Poole Hospital. Despite the severity of the allegations, Cooper attempted to deny any sexual intent, claiming that his actions were merely “playful wrestling” and insisting he did not derive any sexual pleasure from the acts. When confronted, he told the girl that he was “just joking or messing around” and suggested that if she did not want him to do it, he would stop.

In his defense, Cooper’s solicitor, Angela Kerner, painted a picture of a man overwhelmed by personal tragedy. She explained that Cooper had experienced a series of devastating losses, including the deaths of his biological parents, his adoptive father, and the suicides of his sister and drowning of a brother. She described him as “desperate” and emphasized that his actions were not malicious. Kerner argued that Cooper had never threatened the girl, offered her any inducements, or asked her to touch him, and that she had not objected to his actions at the time.

The court was also informed that the girl, described as “very friendly,” had not suffered any lasting effects from the abuse and was doing well academically. It was noted that her father had attacked Cooper during his last court appearance, but Cooper had not retaliated and was not pressing charges himself.

Peter Cooper, who had previously been considered a man of good character, was also known to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. He expressed deep remorse and self-loathing for his actions, which had led to a mental breakdown and a subsequent hospital admission following a suicide attempt.

His Honour Judge John Beashel sentenced Cooper to four concurrent terms of 15 months each. The judge emphasized the importance of protecting children from sexual abuse, stating, “It is the plain duty of the court to protect young children from being sexually abused.”

Furthermore, Cooper was ordered to undergo supervision for two years after his release and was required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offenders Act 1997, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing need for monitoring to prevent further harm.