Dan Cooper experienced a terrible event in 2004: he was raped by an acquaintance. For many years he kept silent, suppressing the trauma, but in 2018, as a juror, he realised that it was time to demand justice.
Twenty years after the attack, 39-year-old Dan succeeded in punishing his abuser: in February 2024, he received eight years in prison.
Warning: this article contains material that may be upsetting
First encounter, first injury
In 2004, Dan Cooper was 17 years old when he met 21-year-old Sean Gilder.
Their relationship began as first love.
One May evening after a barbecue, Gilder, having been drinking, asked Dan to drive him home. On a quiet road behind the hospital, he attacked Dan, leaving him with serious internal injuries.
Despite the shock, Dan was able to drive his attacker home and n again contacted the police.
The case was referred to two Norfolk Police detectives and the trial began in November 2023.
Dan disclosed his diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and regular suicidal thoughts.
On 27 February 2024, Sean Gilder was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Author of the photograph, Norfolk Police
Dan’s mum, Nikki Duffield, who first met Gilder in hospital, has made no secret of her joy:
“I was so proud of you for sticking to your convictions and seeing the case through. It was justice for you.”
Photo by Zoe Dennis/BBC
Dan now works as a firefighter, looks after three dogs, enjoys mountain biking and travelling.
He also shares his story on TikTok, where he already has more than 12,000 followers.
“It’s helped a lot of people.