Former Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors prop Michael Cooper, 38, has pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking involving fear of violence at Liverpool Crown Court
A former England rugby league international wrote abusive notes and etched words onto a woman’s car panels. Ex-Warrington Wolves star Michael Cooper, 38, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday where he confessed to two counts of stalking involving fear of violence against two complainants, Imogen Walker and Benjamin Howarth.
The court was told that between the beginning of November and the end of December 2024, Cooper embarked on a stalking campaign that involved writing offensive notes and attaching them to Ms Walker’s car, “scouring words” onto the vehicle’s panels, and damaging her tyres.
Cooper, from Stansfield Drive in Grappenhall on the outskirts of Warrington, also entered not guilty pleas to two counts of stalking causing distress against the same complainants.
The specifics of these allegations against him included hurling verbal abuse at them, their friends and family, “loitering” outside Ms Walker’s home and spying on Mr Howarth.
Matthew Dixon, prosecuting, informed the court that the crown was not pursuing a trial on the not guilty pleas and those charges are expected to lie on file when Cooper is sentenced, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Donal McGuire, defending, requested for proceedings to be postponed so the Probation Service could prepare a pre-sentence report. He further requested a medical report of a “neurological nature”.
The court was informed by him that Cooper’s neurological damage, sustained during his sporting career, was well-documented. “He was the first player of either code (of rugby) to retire on the basis of that neurological damage,” the defence lawyer informed the court.
Judge Andrew Menary KC, the Recorder of Liverpool, postponed proceedings, advising Cooper: “The purpose is so reports can be prepared and for any medical and character evidence to be acquired.”
Cooper, who attended today’s hearing without support, will receive his sentence at the same court on August 21. Dressed in a black top and jeans, with fair hair and beard and tattooed arms, the former professional was granted conditional bail to leave the dock.
Local Warrington talent Cooper made over 270 appearances for the Wire across two stints. The 17st prop forward also spent time with St George Illawarra Dragons in Australia and concluded his career at Wigan Warriors.
He retired from the sport immediately following medical advice related to a concussion injury sustained during a match against Leigh Leopards.
In his nearly two-decade-long career, Cooper also represented England several times and was included in its 2021 World Cup squad. He secured back-to-back Super League titles with Wigan Warriors and four Challenge Cup trophies with Warrington.
He was honoured with a testimonial for the Wolves and was included in the Super League dream team in 2020. His club acknowledged his “powerful offensive” and stated he “rarely missed a tackle in defence”.