TIMOTHY COOK FROM MICKLE TRAFFORD CAUGHT WITH VILE CHILD IMAGES IN CHESTER

In October 2019, Timothy Peter Cook, a resident of Grindley Bank in Mickle Trafford, Chester, found himself at the center of a serious criminal case involving the possession and creation of indecent images of children. Cook, aged 78, who had previously been a prominent figure in the local business community and served as a former school governor, appeared before Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, September 25, to face the charges.

Cook’s criminal activities spanned a period from September 2008 to January 2018, during which he accumulated a disturbing collection of over 600 images deemed highly inappropriate and vile. The charges against him included possessing 322 indecent images classified across Categories A, B, and C, which denote increasing levels of severity and depravity. Specifically, he was accused of making 12 Category A images, 21 Category B images, and a staggering 289 Category C images. Additionally, Cook was charged with possessing a prohibited image of a child, further compounding the seriousness of his offenses.

He had initially appeared at North Cheshire Magistrates’ Court in August, where he pleaded guilty to five counts related to these images. The court records show that he was convicted of possessing the images and creating some of them, highlighting the extent of his involvement in this disturbing activity. The case was scheduled for sentencing the week prior but was adjourned to allow for reports to be prepared, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

On the day of sentencing, Cook was handed a six-month prison sentence, but this was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. The court also imposed additional restrictions, including a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for seven years and a requirement to register as a sex offender for the same duration. Furthermore, Cook was ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge, and the court mandated the forfeiture and destruction of his computer to prevent further misuse.

Cook, who was once known as Dr. Peter Cook, retired from his business pursuits in December 2018, stepping down as chairman of the Halton Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise. His career was marked by notable achievements, including being named Cheshire Businessperson of the Year in 2006 and receiving a Liverpool Daily Post Business Award in 2007. He had also served as a deputy lieutenant of Cheshire and was involved in various educational institutions, including serving as a governor at The Heath School and Riverside College.

Following his arrest and conviction, the North West Multi-Academy Trust issued a statement expressing their concern but clarified that there was no evidence linking him to any inappropriate activity involving students before his departure from the trust. The Halton Chamber of Commerce also confirmed that Cook had left the organization and declined to comment further. The SOG (Serious Organised Crime Group) spokesperson stated that Cook retired from his company in 2013 and that the organization had no additional information beyond what was reported in the press.

In conclusion, Timothy Cook’s case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the possession and distribution of child exploitation material. His sentencing and the measures imposed serve as a stark reminder of the serious consequences associated with such offenses, regardless of an individual’s previous standing or contributions to the community.