Former England rugby league international Michael Cooper has admitted two counts of stalking involving fear of violence against two complainants, Imogen Walker and Benjamin Howarth. The offences came to light at Liverpool Crown Court, where Cooper, who formerly played for Warrington Wolves, pleaded guilty.
Details of the Stalking Campaign
Between November and December 2024, Cooper carried out a sustained campaign against Ms Walker, which included fixing abusive notes to her car, scouring words onto its panels, and damaging her tyres. The court also heard that Cooper shouted verbal abuse at the pair, their friends and family, loitered outside Ms Walker's home, and spied on Mr Howarth.
Cooper, of Stansfield Drive, Grappenhall, Cheshire, entered not guilty pleas to two further counts of stalking involving distress. However, prosecuting barrister Matthew Dixon told the court that the Crown was not seeking a trial on those charges, which are expected to lie on file when Cooper is sentenced.
Court Proceedings and Adjournment
Defence barrister Donal McGuire requested an adjournment to allow the Probation Service to compile a pre-sentence report and to obtain a medical report of a neurological nature. McGuire informed the court that the neurological harm Cooper suffered during his sporting career was widely documented. "He was the first player of either code (of rugby) to retire on the basis of that neurological damage," the defence barrister told the court.
Judge Andrew Menary KC, the Recorder of Liverpool, adjourned proceedings, stating: "The purpose is so reports can be prepared and for any medical and character evidence to be acquired." Cooper, who attended Friday's hearing alone, was permitted to leave the dock on conditional bail. He will be sentenced at the same court on August 21.
Cooper's Rugby Career
Local Warrington product Cooper turned out more than 270 times for the club across two stints. The prop also had a spell with St George Illawarra Dragons in Australia before ending his career at Wigan Warriors. He stepped away from the sport with immediate effect on medical advice following a concussion injury sustained during a fixture against Leigh Leopards. During his near-two decade career, Cooper also turned out for England on numerous occasions and was selected in its 2021 World Cup squad.
