Notorious Paedophile Cooke Denied Parole Amid Safety Fears
Early Release Sparks Outrage
In 1989, Cooke was jailed for the manslaughter of 14-year-old Jason Swift, a victim of a paedophile ring. Though sentenced to 19 years, his term was cut to 16 on appeal. Shockingly, he walked free after just nine years, sparking huge public backlash.
Jason Swift’s Tragic Fate
Jason was abducted from East 1 in 1985. His body was later discovered in Essex. The gang Cooke belonged to was tied to several other brutal child murders, including those of Barry Lewis and Mark Tildesley.
New Life Sentences for Historic Abuse
In 1999, Cooke received two life sentences after admitting to systematically abusing two young brothers in the 1970s. This confession came following a TV appeal after his early release. Authorities warned he would not be considered for parole until serving at least five years and only if deemed no longer dangerous.
Parole Board Slams Cooke’s Behaviour
A recent document, obtained by the BBC, revealed Cooke’s prison behaviour was “mixed,” sparking concerns and allegations over the years. Assessors unanimously agreed that Cooke is not safe for release or transfer under any current parole conditions.
Tied to Unsolved Child Murder Cases
Cooke was also named by a fellow abuser as a suspect in the murder of 7-year-old Mark Tildesley, who vanished in June 1984 after visiting a funfair near his Wokingham home. Mark’s body remains missing.
Despite never being charged for Mark’s case, Cooke, a former fairground worker, was targeted in a major police probe into several young boys’ deaths during the 1980s.
