Gravesend rapist jailed for almost 20 years

A violent rapist from Gravesend who targeted two separate women has been jailed for almost 20 years.

In March 2023, officers received a report from a victim that John Cooper had raped and sexually assaulted her multiple times. He had also physically assaulted her on several occasions and was immediately arrested and taken into custody.

Cooper, of Whitehill Lane, Gravesend, was charged with rape, sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.

Further victim

He was remanded in custody and while detectives were completing their enquiries, they identified a second woman who stated Cooper had put her through a similar ordeal in 2018.

Cooper was produced from prison on 23 May, interviewed, and received further charges of rape, sexual assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He pleaded not guilty and was convicted following two separate trials at Woolwich Crown Court.

Sentenced

Cooper, 29, was sentenced on Friday 20 December 2024. This includes a custodial period of 18 years and he will have to serve at least two thirds before he can apply for parole.

When he is released from prison, Cooper will have to serve an additional seven years on licence. He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and have to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Daniel Burnett said:

‘Cooper is a violent sexual offender who poses a very real danger to women. He brutally attacked two victims and subjected them both to an appalling ordeal for his own sexual gratification. He sought to deny he had committed 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.’