Former mayor found guilty of indecent assaults

A former borough mayor has been convicted of historic sex offences.

John Cooper, 80, of St Mary's Road, Wolstanton, Staffordshire, was found guilty after a trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court of four counts of indecent assault.

He was cleared of a further charge of gross indecency with a child and has been bailed ahead of sentencing on 30 June.

Cooper was mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme in 2008-09 and 2020-21. A council spokesperson said they were shocked to hear about these offences, which had no connection to his previous role as a councillor.

"We have great admiration for the courage and determination of those victims who came forward to give evidence," the spokesperson said.

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