Teenager who accused man of sexual abuse says his death robbed her of chance at justice

A teenager allegedly sexually abused by a man who took his own life before he faced a jury says she was 'petrified' at the thought of seeing him, but wanted her day in court.

Married father and joiner Simon Cooper, 37, was found dead at his home in Mossley, Tameside, in September last year. The previous month he had been charged with a series of sexual offences allegedly committed against an underage girl, following a long-running investigation, the Manchester Evening News previously revealed.

Police were looking into the allegations since they were first made in January 2022, an inquest was told. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now confirmed that last August, prosecutors authorised charges - including five counts of sexual activity with a child; two counts of causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity; and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

READ MORE: Man who took his own life was facing string of of sex offence charges

Mr Cooper died before his first scheduled court appearance, in December 2023. He never entered pleas and the case against him was formally discontinued at a hearing at Tameside Magistrates' Court.

His accuser, who is now over 16, has now spoken about her ordeal after a coroner concluded he took his own life. She told the M.E.N. when she was informed of his death, she was 'in pieces'.

"I didn't even believe it. He should have had to sit there in that courtroom." She said now that details of the allegations have been made public, she feels she can move forward.

"I feel this is the moment I can start to heal and feel happy," she added. "I believe I would never truly heal if I hadn't had the support I've had throughout this time."

The inquest into Mr Cooper's death concluded last Friday (November). The hearing was told he had been charged with a 'serious offence', but the nature of the allegations was not disclosed.

At the hearing at Stockport Coroners' Court, a doctor involved in his care, consultant psychiatrist Dr Javed Chisthi said the case was a 'big issue' for him. "He would always mention what might happen in the future, what if I had to go to prison and what people around him would think, and how it would affect his children," he added. "So it is a very difficult position to be in. But it was something that was ongoing."

An investigation report by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust found 'one of nine factors, not the only factor, that may have impacted on the mental health of Simon'.

The charges are not referenced in the conclusion or record of inquest penned by senior coroner Alison Mutch. She says he 'made a number of attempts to take his own life' and was 'known to mental health services'. On August 22 last year he was taken to Tameside General Hospital 'having made a significant attempt to take his own life'.

A decision was taken not to admit him and he was referred to a home treatment team run by Pennine Care 'as an alternative to a voluntary inpatient admission'. But following his discharge there were 'a number of failures in his care which contributed to his death', Ms Mutch has concluded.

These included there being 'no detailed care plan'; no 'attempt to engage with his family'; and 'no effective communication with other agencies'.

Mr Cooper's medical cause of death was recorded as hanging. Ms Mutch concluded he 'died from suicide contributed to by a failure by mental health services to effectively support him when he was discharged into the community'.

Pennine has apologised for the shortcomings in care. Tim McDougall, executive director of quality, nursing and healthcare professionals at the trust said: “We are extremely sorry for what happened to Simon and our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. We carried out a thorough internal investigation into the care and treatment Simon received and recognise that this should have been better. We fully accept the findings of the coroner and we are very sorry for the shortcomings in Simon’s care."

Where to go if you've been affected by rape or sexual abuse

Anyone who wishes to seek support but does not want to talk to police can contact St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515 or visiting by visiting the website.

St Mary's provides forensic, counselling and aftercare services for people affected by rape and sexual assault.

The National Male Survivors Helpline, Safeline, can be contacted on 0808 800 5005 or through the website here.

Survivors Manchester supports boys and men who have been affected by rape and sexual assault.

The charity provides therapeutic support and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA). They offer assistance throughout the criminal justice system, from initial reports to court and beyond.

ISVAs work independently of the police, Crown Prosecution Service and court system.

Boys and Men in Greater Manchester affected by sexual abuse, regardless of when it happened, can access Survivors Manchester by calling 0161 236 2182 or emailing: support@survivorsmanchester.org.uk  

A weekly drop in session takes place each Wednesday from 2pm until 5pm.

You can donate to Survivors Manchester here.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis works with women and girls affected by rape and sexual assault. They can be contacted on 0161 273 4591.

Victims of sexual crimes are entitled to lifelong anonimity.

Help and support

Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org, write to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS (no more information needed) and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.

For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk

CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk

Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org

For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/