Raymond Copping

Raymond Copping, a 62-year-old man from Fareham in Hampshire, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court for a series of child sex offences that had remained undetected for decades. His depraved actions involved grooming young victims with gifts and treats before subjecting them to sexual abuse, leaving them in fear and shame. One particularly harrowing incident saw Copping take a child into a tent where he performed a sex act on himself.

The offences, some dating back more than 30 years, came to light in 2021 when one brave victim reported Copping to the police, inspiring a second victim to come forward. Prosecutor Alexa Le Moine detailed how Copping's behaviour continued despite his tearful apologies, with him cruelly manipulating one child by warning they would be hated and disbelieved by their family if they spoke out. Copping, who admitted to a psychiatrist that he found it easier to form relationships with children than adults, pleaded guilty to all 16 charges.

During the sentencing hearing on 7 January 2026, defence lawyer Michael Cogan highlighted Copping's remorse, noting that the defendant had requested the maximum sentence and offered no excuses. Judge Daniel Stevenson branded Copping a dangerous offender, citing his hypersexuality and paedophilia driven by inadequacies in adult relationships. The judge imposed an extended sentence of 20 years, comprising 16 years' custody—two-thirds of which must be served before parole consideration—followed by four years on licence. Stevenson acknowledged Copping's guilty pleas, genuine remorse, alcoholism, low self-esteem, and history of abusive relationships but emphasised the profound impact on the victims.

• Victim impact statements revealed severe psychological harm, including ongoing anxiety, nightmares, hypervigilance, and difficulties with intimacy and trust.
• One victim stated: 'I’m now absolutely terrified of men if they come close to me... My sense of safety and trust has been deeply damaged.'
• Another described feeling emotionally overwhelmed and disconnected, with the abuse causing lasting consequences that limited their independence.

Upon release, Copping will face lifelong sex offender notification requirements and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order restricting contact with children. The court expressed hope that the sentence would provide comfort and justice to the victims, whose bravery ended Copping's prolific offending. The case was reported by KentOnline, with images sourced from Hampshire Police.