Ex-England international left note to ex saying 'you'll know what real pain feels like'

Michael Cooper, a former England rugby league international, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, after admitting to stalking his ex-girlfriend and a man he believed she had started a new relationship with. The court heard that Cooper, 37, targeted Imogen Walker and Benjamin Howarth during a period of personal turmoil following his early retirement from professional rugby. Cooper’s stalking campaign spanned two months between October and December 2024. During this time, he allegedly followed both women and left threatening notes on Imogen Walker’s car. One such note warned: “You will know what real pain feels like.” Another note included the phrase “Give this note to Ben. This is his last chance. He's lucky to be alive,” suggesting Cooper believed Howarth might be in danger. In addition to these notes, Cooper carved the word “sl**” into Walker’s vehicle and damaged her tires, causing financial strain and emotional distress. Prosecutor Matthew Dixon described the incidents as involving fear of violence, leading to Cooper’s conviction on two counts of stalking. The court also issued two restraining orders against Cooper, prohibiting him from contacting his victims for a decade. According to Dixon, the relationship between Cooper and Walker had ended earlier in 2024, and while they initially stayed in contact, they eventually lost touch. Cooper’s actions escalated after he sent a Facebook message to Howarth, which he felt was threatening. Howarth responded by blocking Cooper’s account, but Cooper continued to harass him through alternative accounts, claiming he was offering a “face-to-face chat.” On December 9, Cooper sent another Facebook message to Howarth, which was subsequently deleted, and also initiated a communication request on LinkedIn. That same day, he visited Walker’s residence and left a note labeling her a “cheat” and a “liar,” further escalating the situation. Cooper returned to Walker’s property on December 13 and left multiple notes on her car, reinforcing his threats. The following day, he carved the offensive term into her vehicle and caused damage to her tires. Walker reported feeling “stressed” and facing unexpected expenses due to the need for car repairs and increased home security. Howarth, too, took steps to secure his home, installing CCTV cameras and security lighting. He described experiencing disrupted sleep, frequent nightmares, and heightened anxiety, stating that the ordeal had become “constant, exhausting, and disruptive.” Howarth explained that he severed ties with Walker, despite their long-standing friendship, to protect himself. He noted that even after deleting social media accounts and adjusting privacy settings, Cooper managed to locate him. Howarth emphasized that he had chosen not to pursue a relationship with Walker, prioritizing his safety. Defending Cooper, Donal Maguire highlighted that the defendant had no prior criminal record and maintained a generally positive character. Maguire attributed Cooper’s behavior to a period of intense personal crisis following his medical retirement from professional rugby. Cooper, who made his debut at age 17, faced a “loss of identity as a sportsman” and reportedly struggled with substance abuse, including alcohol and prescription medications. Maguire argued that Cooper showed insight into his actions, expressed genuine remorse, and demonstrated some level of victim empathy. He acknowledged that the victims likely felt fearful and stressed throughout the ordeal.