Man jailed for 19 years for sexual offences

A man has been jailed for 19 years and one year on extended licence after being found guilty of multiple child sexual offences.

Stuart Alan Cooper, 57, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Tuesday (18 January) after being found guilty on two counts of attempted rape of a child, two counts of sexual assault of a child and two counts of rape of a child.

Cooper was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Allegations were received by Staffordshire Police in 2020, and an investigation was launched.

The offences date back as early as 2013, with the most recent occurring in 2020.

DC Claire Mace, of the force’s Child Protection and Exploitation Team, said: “I am happy with the sentence that Cooper has been handed and we hope that it serves as a reminder that the force will take all of the necessary steps to bring perpetrators of serious crime to justice.

“I hope this sentencing will provide reassurance to other victims of sexual offences and give them the confidence to come forward and report to us. We want them to know that they will always be supported and we encourage them to speak out and seek support.”

Anyone who has suffered sexual abuse, or suspects others may be subject to sexual abuse, is urged to contact Staffordshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through www.crimestoppers-uk.org.