Financial Planner jailed for 7 years over sexual assault
The owner of a Financial Planning business has been jailed for seven years for a number of offences including sexual assault.
Staffordshire-based Frank Cochran, who employed 13 people at FSC Investment Services and featured on TV interviews on Sky, ITV and CNN, was found guilty of assault by penetration, using controlling and coercive behaviour and putting a person in fear of violence by harassment, at Stafford Crown Court.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to possessing a Taser, which he had bought on holiday in Florida, which the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said he used on her.
The company and Mr Cochran were still listed as “active” on the FCA’s register this morning and a member of staff at FSC Investment Services told Financial Planning Today: “All I can say is it’s business as usual, we’re still here.”
Yesterday Judge Gosling said the sex offender’s arrogance was thinly disguised and he wanted to be in total charge of those around him.
He told him: “You have a talent for finances and exude self-confidence, but you are superior and arrogant.
“You have fallen from a great height.”
Detective Constable Gareth Jones, of Staffordshire Police, said: “I welcome today’s verdict and, in particular, commend the courage it took for the victim to come forward and give her evidence.
“We will always do whatever it takes to bring offenders to justice, while ensuring victims and their families are offered the support they need.”
The FCA has been approached for comment.