'Perverted criminal' jailed for child sex offences

A "perverted criminal" who sexually abused a young girl has been jailed.

Peter Coope, 40, pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences, including rape, at Grimsby Crown Court in November 2025.

He was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on Friday, and told he would serve an additional year on licence on his release.

Coope, previously of Healing, North East Lincolnshire, was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and handed a 20-year sexual harm prevention order.

Humberside Police said Coope was arrested after his victim told a trusted adult, who then reported the abuse to the police.

He initially denied all allegations but later admitted offences of rape, sexual assault and inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Det Con Liam Greenwood said: "Coope is a perverted criminal who sexually abused a young girl, before telling her not to tell anyone about his atrocious actions."

Praising the victim for her bravery, Greenwood said: "Thanks to her, this dangerous man is now behind bars and off our streets."

He added: "I hope that today's conviction reassures anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence that we will listen to you and we will support you."

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