Baildon paedophile jailed

    Photo Credit - WYP

    A Bradford man who sexually abused two boys over a period of nine years has been given a 20-year sentence.

    Michael Cooley, of Baildon, was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court after he was found guilty on 18 counts of sexual abuse, including charges of rape and sexual assault. 

    The case against Cooley, 55, was opened last August when one of the victims reported he had been subjected to several years of sexual abuse, which started in 2009.

    The investigation was taken on by detectives at the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit, who subsequently discovered that Cooley had sexually abused a second boy between 2013 and 2018.

    Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Nicola Brook, of the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit, said: “I would like to thank the victims for their bravery in coming forward and reporting the abuse they suffered at the hands of Cooley.

    “I hope today’s outcome will give them some closure and allow them to move forward with their lives.

    “I also hope it will encourage other victims of sexual abuse to engage with the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit, who will investigate every report sensitively and thoroughly to support the victims and bring perpetrators to justice.”

    More from Local and National News

    Listener Club

    Get more with the Listener Club!

    • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

      Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm

    • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

      Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm

    • Legal Show Legal Show

      Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.

    • Alim OnAir Alim OnAir

      Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.