John Cooper Jailed for 18 Years After Violent Rape and Sexual Assault Ordeal

A violent rapist who "poses a very real danger to women" has been jailed for almost 20 years.

John Cooper, of Whitehill Lane, Gravesend, was arrested last year following a report from a victim who alleged multiple rapes, sexual assaults, and physical attacks. The 29-year-old was charged with rape, sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and intentional strangulation.

While in custody, detectives uncovered a second woman who reported a similar ordeal by Cooper in 2018. He was charged with further counts of rape, sexual assault, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Cooper pleaded not guilty but was convicted following two separate trials at Woolwich Crown Court. He was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment, with a minimum term of two-thirds before parole eligibility. Upon release, he will be subject to a seven-year license period, a sexual harm prevention order, and registration on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Daniel Burnett stated, "Cooper is a violent sexual offender who poses a very real danger to women. He brutally attacked two victims, subjecting them to an appalling ordeal for his own sexual gratification. He sought to deny these crimes but is now deservedly serving a very long prison sentence. I would like to commend the two victims who showed immense courage in reporting their attacker to the police. They have ensured other women are not in danger from this vile individual."