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Rugby Champ's Jail Threat: 'You'll Know Real Pain'
22 Aug
Summary
- Former rugby league player Michael Cooper stalked ex-girlfriend and another man.
- He left threatening notes, including one about 'real pain' and damaging her car.
- Cooper received a suspended prison sentence and restraining orders for 10 years.
Michael Cooper, a 37-year-old ex-England rugby league player, has received a suspended sentence for stalking his former partner, Imogen Walker, and Benjamin Howarth between October and December 2024. Cooper, who previously played for Warrington Wolves and St George Illawarra Dragons, admitted two counts of stalking involving fear of violence.
During the two-month stalking period, Cooper sent threatening messages and left notes on Ms. Walker's car, one stating she 'will know what real pain feels like.' He also damaged her car's tires and carved a derogatory word into it. Mr. Howarth reported significant distress, including nightmares and anxiety, leading him to install home security measures.
Cooper was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, with 20 rehabilitation days. He was also issued 10-year restraining orders prohibiting contact with Ms. Walker and Mr. Howarth. His defense cited personal crisis following his medical retirement from professional rugby, including alcohol and prescription drug abuse, as contributing factors to his behavior.
