Alan Cooper, a 78-year-old resident of Kemm Close, Cheddar, has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting to attempting to communicate sexually with underage girls. The case was heard at North Somerset Magistrates' Court on 31 July, where Cooper pleaded guilty to two charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.
The offences took place over a period from 13 to 19 May last year. According to court documents, Cooper sought sexual gratification by intentionally attempting to communicate with someone he did not reasonably believe to be over 16. The communications involved inappropriate sexual remarks.
Cooper was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 18 months, reflecting the court’s decision to impose a custodial sentence but not immediately enforce it. Additionally, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order and ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation activity days.
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He was also required to pay £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service and a £154 surcharge.
This sentence aims to balance public protection with rehabilitation efforts.