In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Michael Cooper, then 22, of Hartlepool, County Durham, was sentenced to six years in prison at Teesside Crown Court. Cooper utilised social media and a fake name to target and groom his victim. The investigation by Cleveland Police revealed that he knowingly engaged in sexual activity with the girl despite being fully aware she was under 16. In a deplorable display of predatory behaviour, he even requested that she send him a copy of her birth certificate to prove her age, while warning her he would be in trouble if she disclosed his actions.
The court heard that Michael Cooper became vicious and aggressive during the abuse, threatening to grab the victim’s hair and choke her. Despite these horrific threats, the victim showed “incredible bravery” by coming forward to report the crimes. Temporary Detective Sergeant Sarah Blades of Hartlepool CID noted that the victim’s cooperation was vital in building the strong case of evidence required to secure a conviction and safeguard other potential victims from Cooper’s vile conduct.
Michael Cooper was charged with 16 offences of sexual activity with a child and grooming. During the legal proceedings in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, the prosecution detailed the profound impact his sickening actions had on the young survivor. The court emphasised that Cooper’s use of a false identity online was a calculated method to facilitate his horrendous crimes, highlighting the dangerous nature of his predatory intent in Hartlepool, County Durham.
As a result of his convictions for these vile sexual crimes, Michael Cooper was jailed for six years. He was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register and was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). He is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Cleveland Police, remaining under intensive supervision to prevent further predatory behaviour. Any breach of his strict registration requirements in Hartlepool or elsewhere will result in his immediate arrest and return to prison.
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