Former scout leader from Bognor Regis jailed for sexually abusing children

A former scout leader has been jailed for sexually assaulting young children, taking indecent photographs and voyeurism at scouting camps he helped to run.
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Student Oliver Cooper, 27, from Nor'bren Avenue in Bognor Regis was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court yesterday (Thursday, October 15) of two counts of sexual assault on a girl, one counts of sexual assault on another girl, one count of taking indecent photographs of a child, and 13 counts of voyeurism, police have said.

Cooper, formerly from Hopton in Staffordshire, was sentenced to a total of six years imprisonment.

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Cooper was a Beaver Scouts leader at the time of the offences.

Student Oliver Cooper, 27, from Nor'bren Avenue in Bognor RegisStudent Oliver Cooper, 27, from Nor'bren Avenue in Bognor Regis
Student Oliver Cooper, 27, from Nor'bren Avenue in Bognor Regis

He will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life, was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to last until further court notice severely restricting his access to children, and was disqualified from working with children and vulnerable people for life.

The conviction follows a lengthy investigation by detectives from the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigation Unit after a child disclosed that he had sexually touched her.

As a result of that disclosure Cooper was arrested and indecent images and videos of children getting undressed in private were found on his phone and laptop.

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During the course of the investigation a further child came forward and reported a similar offence against her.

Detective Constable Rees Hopcraft said: “The young girls involved showed tremendous bravery throughout the investigation and were supported by specially trained officers.

"Despite the overwhelming evidence, Cooper continued to protest his innocence and thus forced the victims to give evidence, which was done via a video link to the court."

In sentencing, Judge Mooney commented on Cooper's lack of remorse and the 'colossal breach of trust' involved.

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"Prior to his scouting role he was a law student at Sussex University, and a soldier in the Household Cavalry where he served for four years in the UK."

The Scouts Association and West Sussex Childrens' Services were immediately informed of the allegations and have worked closely with police to ensure all necessary safeguarding precautions were taken.

Police emphasise that the Scouts Association has given full co-operation throughout the investigation.

Parents of all children who were in the group, including those whose children have been identified as subjects of the alleged offences, have been kept informed. There is no current safeguarding risk to any child.

See the Sussex Police website for information and advice on reporting sexual offences against children.