Former England rugby league international Michael Cooper, 38, admitted two counts of stalking involving fear of violence against Imogen Walker and Benjamin Howarth at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday. The ex-Warrington Wolves star wrote abusive notes and scoured words onto the panels of Ms Walker's car, and damaged her tyres between November and December 2024.
Details of the Stalking Campaign
The court heard that Cooper engaged in a campaign that included writing abusive notes and sticking them to Ms Walker's car, scouring words onto the vehicle's panels, and damaging her tyres. He also shouted verbal abuse at the complainants, their friends and family, loitered outside Ms Walker's home, and spied on Mr Howarth.
Cooper, of Stansfield Drive in Grappenhall, Warrington, pleaded not guilty to two further counts of stalking involving distress against the same complainants. Prosecutor Matthew Dixon stated that the crown was not seeking a trial on those charges, and they will lie on the file when Cooper is sentenced.
Neurological Damage Cited in Defence
Defence lawyer Donal McGuire requested an adjournment for a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service and a medical report of a 'neurological nature'. He told the court that Cooper's neurological damage from his rugby career was well-known, and that he was the first player of either code to retire on that basis.
Judge Andrew Menary KC, the Recorder of Liverpool, adjourned proceedings until August 21 for sentencing. Cooper, who attended the hearing unsupported, was granted conditional bail. He wore a black top and jeans, with fair hair and beard and tattooed arms.
Cooper's Rugby Career
Cooper, a homegrown Warrington talent, made over 270 appearances for the Wire over two spells. The 17st prop forward also played for St George Illawarra Dragons in Australia and finished his career at Wigan Warriors. He retired immediately after a concussion injury during a match against Leigh Leopards.
In his near-two decade career, Cooper represented England on several occasions and was named in its 2021 World Cup squad. He won back-to-back Super League titles with Wigan Warriors and four Challenge Cup trophies with Warrington. He was awarded a testimonial for the Wolves and featured in the Super League dream team in 2020. His club recognised his 'powerful offensive' and said he 'rarely missed a tackle in defence'. Cooper began his career with Latchford Albion Giants and has since served as their director of rugby. He also runs his own sports clothing business.
