SEX ATTACKER WHO TARGETED WOMEN IN LEVENMOUTH JAILED FOR FIVE YEARS
A physically strong sex offender who committed assaults on women in Fife towns two years apart has been sentenced to prison.Stuart Cooper used his weight to force a woman onto the ground before subjecting her to a rape at a property in Methil.
However, Cooper, aged 43, had previously attacked another woman at a residence in Leven, where he pushed and held her down on a bed.
When he was convicted last month, the High Court in Edinburgh was told that the first victim was too frightened to report the incident at the time.
After reviewing background reports, Cooper was sentenced at the High Court in Dundee via video link from HMP Edinburgh.
His lawyer, Johnathan Crowe, stated: “In mitigation, there is little I can say.
“Mr Cooper continues to deny the charges.
“The report writer indicates that Mr Cooper has shown some awareness of his actions.
“He is someone who has previously been subject to court orders.
“He was born and raised in Walsall, England.
“He had little contact with his father growing up.
“He left home at age 12 to start working and has been employed ever since.
“He is managing his time in prison well and using it productively.
“He understands that he will be going to prison today and says he will reflect on his actions.” Lord Fairley sentenced Cooper to a five-year term, dating back to November 15, when he was first detained.
Cooper will also be registered as a sex offender for an indefinite period.
Residing on Wilson Avenue, Denny, in Stirlingshire, Cooper had denied multiple charges during the trial but was ultimately convicted of three offences.
He was found guilty of sexually assaulting the first woman between July and December 2015, during which he repeatedly touched her, pushed her, held her down, struggled with her, and tried to remove her top.
He was also convicted of raping the second woman between March and June 2017, using his body weight and fighting with her.
In addition, he was convicted of attacking a taxi driver by punching him in Methil on May 21, 2017.
The first woman recounted that during her assault, Cooper attempted to have sex with her despite her protests.
She told advocate depute Steven Borthwick KC that she repeatedly asked Cooper to leave her alone.
To escape, she kneeed him in the groin, causing him to fall onto the bed, after which she left the house.
Following the verdicts, the jury was informed that Cooper has prior convictions, including for assault.
The case summary includes images and quotes related to the incidents and emphasizes that he will remain on the sex offenders register for life.
