Former Scout Leader Jailed for Sex Crimes Against Children
Oliver Cooper, 27, a student from Bognor and ex-Scout leader, was slammed by Lewes Crown Court on 15 October. He was found guilty of multiple child sex offences, including two counts of sexual assault on a six-year-old girl, one additional sexual assault, one count of taking indecent photos, and 13 counts of voyeurism.
Six Years Behind Bars and Lifetime Ban
Cooper landed a six-year prison sentence. He’s now on the Sex Offenders Register for life, slapped with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely restricting his access to kids, and banned from working with children or vulnerable people – forever.
Scouting Role Abused; Police Uncovered Shocking Evidence
At the time of his crimes, Cooper was a Beaver Scouts leader. The offences happened over two years ago but came to light after a brave child disclosed the abuse, triggering a police probe by West Sussex’s Safeguarding Investigation Unit.
Detectives found indecent images and videos of children undressing on Cooper’s phone and laptop. A second victim later stepped forward with similar allegations.
Detective Constable Rees Hopcraft said: “The young girls involved showed tremendous bravery throughout the investigation and were supported by specially trained officers. Despite overwhelming evidence, Cooper insisted on his innocence, forcing victims to give evidence via video link to protect them.”
Judge Slams ‘Colossal Breach of Trust’
Judge Mooney highlighted Cooper’s “lack of remorse” and called his actions a “colossal breach of trust.” Before his scouting role, Cooper was a law student at Sussex University and served four years in the Household Cavalry.
The Scouts Association and West Sussex Children’s Services were immediately alerted. Both worked closely with police to ensure all safeguarding measures were in place. Parents of group members were kept informed, and police stress there’s no current safeguarding risk to any child.
The Scouts Association fully cooperated throughout the investigation, police confirmed.
