Oliver Cooper, 39, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison after admitting to multiple fraud offences, including defrauding his ex-partner of tens of thousands of pounds.
Cooper, formerly of Assart Way in Chippenham, Wiltshire, forged signatures in May 2022 to alter the equity on a property he co-owned with his ex-partner following their separation. This fraudulent act resulted in significant financial losses for the victim. Despite being arrested shortly after, Cooper attempted to manipulate the legal process by delaying criminal and civil court proceedings for two years.
Acting Detective Sergeant Martyn Powell from Wiltshire Police emphasized the impact of financial abuse, stating that it is a form of domestic violence. Powell further explained that Cooper’s actions prevented the victim from moving forward and escaping the cycle of control, leading to continued suffering.
Cooper, who pleaded guilty to the fraud in May 2023, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for the forgery and financial abuse. The sentencing also addressed his involvement in a £200,000 VAT fraud carried out between July 2019 and March 2022, which he committed through his cleaning business. Cooper was investigated by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for these fraudulent VAT claims.
In addition to the charges for financial abuse, Cooper admitted to money laundering and forgery offences, including attempting to access bank accounts that had been frozen by HMRC. He was sentenced to another two years and nine months for these crimes, resulting in a total sentence of five-and-a-half years.
Det Sgt Powell hopes the sentencing will encourage other victims of financial abuse to come forward and seek the help they need.
