In February 2019, the Offender Database reported that Michael Cooley, then 55, of St Annes Terrace, Baildon, was sentenced to 19 years in prison at Bradford Crown Court. Cooley, a former supermarket manager described as a “thrill-seeking” predator, was convicted of a “horrendous” eight-year campaign of sexual depravity against two young boys.
The court heard that Cooley used his outward “good character” as a shield to hide 18 sexual offences. One victim, who was aged between nine and 14 during the abuse, testified that Cooley molested him in multiple locations, including on a trampoline, in a car, and in a swimming pool. The second victim was targeted when he was only eight or nine years old; Cooley subjected the boy to oral rape and forced him to watch a pornographic film on a mobile phone featuring an indecently exposed child. Judge Neil Davey QC noted that the victims’ innocence was “taken away” and that they continue to suffer from nightmares and flashbacks.
Cooley was convicted by a jury of multiple counts, including the rape of a child under 13, sexual assault, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Labelling him a dangerous offender, Judge Davey remarked that Cooley treated the children as “usable and disposable” for his own gratification. The sentence was structured as an extended sentence to reflect the high risk Cooley poses to the public.
Michael Cooley was sentenced to a total of 20 years, comprising 19 years in custody and an additional 12 months on extended licence. This means he must serve at least two-thirds of his custodial term before he can be considered for parole. The judge also granted a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) “without limit of time,” imposing permanent restrictions on his behaviour and access to children.
As a result of his convictions for serial child sex offending, Cooley is a registered sex offender for life. He is managed under the highest level of Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in West Yorkshire. This ensures that upon any eventual release, West Yorkshire Police and the National Probation Service will maintain permanent, intensive surveillance of his residency and movements to protect the community.
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