Terri Cook has been locked up
Terri Cook has been jailed(Image: GMP)
A twisted teaching assistant abused her position of trust to groom a vulnerable boy. Suspicions were raised around Terri Cook, from Bury, when a member of the public reported seeing her out with the child, who was of primary school-age.
Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation, which uncovered how she had been grooming the boy and manipulating him into engaging in a sexual relationship. Officers discovered numerous messages on her phone which showed she had been inciting sexual communications with the boy.
Cook, 38, was also found to have indecent images of the child. Police uncovered how Cook had bought the boy expensive items, including jewellery and clothing, over a nine-month period that she committed her crimes.
Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter
In a powerful statement given in court, the victim’s mum described the toll Cook’s actions had taken on her son’s life. She said: “He was a happy boy who was extremely kind and caring to everyone around him. Despite experiencing traumatic events earlier in his life, he continued to be positive and compassionate. He smiled every day and made us all laugh.”
Addressing Cook directly, the mum added: “I trusted you. You were in a position of trust and power. Your role was to help children and keep them safe. Instead, you abused your position and harmed [the victim], not once but repeatedly.
Minshull Street Crown Court(Image: MEN Media)
“You knew about his past and deliberately used his vulnerability to your advantage. You have taken so much away from him at such a young age. This will affect his life forever, and it will be him who lives with the consequences of your selfish actions.”
Cook pleaded guilty to eight charges of sexual offences. She was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (May 14).
Cook was brought to justice following work by GMP’s Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU), which works to protect young people across the region. In the last year, the CPIU have increased their solved outcome rate, up to 14.3 per cent, which GMP says signifies its ‘continuing work to bringing justice to children and young people who have been abused’.
Detective Sergeant Adam Stanfield, from GMP’s CPIU, said: “I’d firstly like to thank the immense bravery and courage of the victim, throughout these proceedings. It is no easy thing to go through, but his and his family’s support throughout this case has enabled us to put a sexual predator behind bars.
“This case was a horrific example of calculated abuse of power, and Cook targeted a vulnerable child who put his trust in her. Grooming is a form of manipulation that can leave lasting emotional and psychological damage, and our priority remains protecting young people and supporting victims as they recover.
“This sentencing also emphasises our unwavering commitment to protecting male victims. They can be victims too and I urge anyone who believes they may have been through anything similar to please report to us. We will always listen. You will always be taken seriously. And we will always take action.”
Could you spot a child who is at risk of CSE or CCE?
Spot the signs of child exploitation: Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late; skipping school or being disruptive in class; appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for; experiencing health problems that may indicate a sexually transmitted infection; having mood swings and changes in temperament; using drugs and/or alcohol; displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour, such as over-familiarity with strangers, dressing in a sexualised manner or sending sexualised images by mobile phone (“sexting”); increasing their screen time or showing unusual use of online platforms, such as websites, social media, apps or games; they may also show signs of unexplained physical harm, such as bruising and cigarette burns.
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
– Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
– Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
– We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182 for help.