Luton man jailed for 14 years for sexual abuse committed in the 1990s

Derek Cooper, of Wellington Street, was sentenced on Friday, November 23, at Luton Crown Court for sexually abusing a boy over over a period of five years in the 1990s. The abuse started when the victim was only eight.

An investigation was launched after the victim came forward, and Cooper was subsequently arrested and charged, before pleading guilty to two counts of gross indecency with a boy under the age of 14 and three counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14. He also pleaded guilty to breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

Detective Constable Tom Pantony, from Bedfordshire Police’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse unit, said: “I’m pleased that Cooper received such a substantial sentence for the abhorrent abuse he inflicted on his young victim.

“We’d like to commend the victim for his strength in coming forward and reporting what had happened to him after all this time.

“We would like to reiterate that it doesn’t matter how long ago the abuse has taken place, we take all reports of abuse seriously and I hope this result encourages others to speak out.”

To report concerns of child sexual abuse by call 101.