MAN JAILED FOR ONLINE CHILD SEX OFFENCES
A man from Slough has been sentenced to three years and two months in prison after being found guilty of online child sex offences.Ross Thompson-Cooley, aged 62 and residing on Lowestoft Drive, received his sentence at Reading Crown Court on Monday, December 13.
He admitted to one count of engaging in sexual communication with a minor, one count of an adult attempting to communicate sexually with a child, and one count of attempting to meet a girl under the age of 16 following grooming behavior.
The crimes took place via online platforms in August and September of this year.
Thompson-Cooley used the messaging apps Rando and WhatsApp to send explicit messages to two girls under 16, adopting the alias Romeo.
He also tried to arrange a face-to-face meeting.
He was arrested on September 4, during which police executed a search of his home under Section 18 and recovered multiple electronic devices.
Following further investigations by Thames Valley Police, Thompson-Cooley was formally charged on September 5 and subsequently pleaded guilty during a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on September 7.
He was also issued with a sexual harm prevention order as part of his sentencing.
The case highlights the police’s ongoing efforts to combat online child exploitation and protect minors from grooming and abuse.
