WILLIAM COOPER SENTENCED FOR CHILD-SEX OFFENCES IN TURTON AFTER 40 YEARS

In a case that underscores the importance of justice regardless of the passage of time, William Cooper, a 69-year-old resident of Tower Street, Chapeltown, Turton, has been sentenced to prison for serious child-sex offences committed over four decades ago.

The sentencing took place at Preston Crown Court, where Cooper pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to his abuse of a young girl. Specifically, he admitted to three counts of continued indecent assault on a girl aged between seven and nine years old. In addition, he pleaded guilty to a separate charge of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14, which resulted in a nine-month prison sentence to run concurrently with the other term.

The investigation into Cooper’s actions was initiated in April of the previous year, after one of his victims courageously came forward to report the abuse. This revelation prompted authorities to launch a formal inquiry into the allegations. Following the investigation, Cooper was arrested in October and subsequently charged with the offences.

Detective Inspector Mark Winstanley, who is part of the Blackburn CID, expressed his commendation for the victims’ bravery in coming forward. He stated, “I would like to commend the victims for their courage in coming forward to the police. I hope this sentence will be of some comfort to them and that they will be able to move forward with their lives.”

He further emphasized the significance of the case by noting, “This case highlights that it is never too late to report a crime — even though the offences were committed over 40 years ago, justice has been brought.”