In 2020, the Offender Database reported that Antony Cook, a Brightlingsea Paedophile Child Molester, then 77, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault and one count of inducing a child to participate in sexual activity.
A young girl bravely stood up in court to address the pensioner who sexually abused her for more than two years and lift the lid on the struggles she has endured.
The victim, who is under 16 and cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke of how the abuse at the hands of 77-year-old Antony Cook has taken over her life.
She was abused multiple times by Cook, and now has finally seen justice take place as he was jailed for five years at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday (June 18).
Antony Cook, who is from Brightlingsea, Tendring, Essex, subjected the girl to multiple attacks over the space of two and a half years, facing a total of nine counts, four of which he was sentenced for.
The court heard that the victim finally revealed the abuse to her mother after difficulties sleeping.
When he was first questioned by the police, Antony Cook denied all the allegations, only to later admit to a handful of charges.
He later admitted two counts of sexual assault on a girl aged under 13, one count of causing a child to watch sexual activity and one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
Prosecuting barrister Jamie Sawyer told the court of the horrific abuse Antony Cook put his victim through.
He said: “On several occasions, the victim told Antony Cook that he could get in trouble for what he was doing, but he made her promise not to tell anyone.
“She would tell him to stop, but he would not listen.
“She tried to push him away.
“She said that he could go to prison, but he carried on.”
The victim told Antony Cook that what he was doing was wrong and told him he was disgusting, but it did not stop his abuse, Mr Sawyer added.
Antony Cook also showed the girl pornographic images and videos, and she recalled seeing one of a woman being raped.
During the hearing, the girl chose to read her statement to the court.
She said, “I feel today will bring me some closure. I was told for years that this was my fault.
“I should be able to go out without looking over my shoulder. The longer it’s gone on, the more it has taken over my life.
“I now know that none of this is my fault.”
Passing his sentence, Judge David Turner said that there was no other option other than an immediate custodial sentence.
Speaking directly to Antony Cook, Judge Turner said: “This young person has had this nightmare hanging over her for way too long; some of that is your direct responsibility.
“I find your remorse hard to judge; you are struggling to admit your misconduct to yourself.
Your phone number won’t be shared with other members of the group.
The above mobile number can’t be used for phone calls.
“What you did was shameful and profoundly damaging.”
Describing the bravery of Antony Cook’s victim, the judge said Cook’s actions will stay with her for life.
He said: “I hope she will continue to work through these issues as she grows into womanhood and beyond.”
Antony Cook was sentenced to a total of five years in custody and will serve half of his sentence before being eligible for release.
Antony Cook will also be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the rest of his life.
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