Police release picture of a Doncaster pervert who was jailed after having a sexual relationship with a young teenager

Sheffield Crown Court heard on December 17 how Dale Cooper, aged 30, of Lime Tree Avenue, Denaby, Doncaster, admitted having sexual activity with a child when she was a young teenager aged under 16.

Louise Reevell, prosecuting, said the single count against Cooper reflects a multiple matter involving intercourse with the youngster on at least ten occasions.

Mrs Reevell added: “The complainant indicated to the defendant that she had a crush on him and she sent him a text message and he initially said nothing could happen between them but a week later his position changed and he wanted a relationship.”

The complainant, who cannot be named legal reasons, stated they saw each other as often as possible and they would have sex and the youngster’s friend suspected they were having a relationship and they were allegedly seen holding hands, according to Mrs Reevell.

Cooper and the youngster sent intimate photos of themselves to each other, according to the complainant who added that she began to think the defendant was just using her for sex.

Ms Reevell said the two separated during Christmas, 2016, but the relationship was re-kindled but they separated again in June, 2018, and the youngster told her mother and police.

Cooper, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to having sexual activity with a child between October, 2014, and November, 2017.

Katy Rafter, defending, said: “The defendant, whatever the outcome, will always fear the stigma of being a child sex-offender in his community.”

She added Cooper suffers with cognitive limitations and a potential personality disorder and he is emotionally unstable and lacks maturity.

Ms Rafter said: “He realises what happened was a mistake and it should not have happened at all and this defendant is genuinely remorseful.”

Judge Rachael Harrison sentenced Cooper to four years and six months of custody.

Cooper was also indefinitely made subject to the Sex Offender Register and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

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