A series of early-morning car number plate thefts in Swansea remains shrouded in mystery as Daniel Cooper’s motive for the spree remains unclear. Cooper was caught on CCTV and video doorbells wandering the streets of Sandfields in Swansea, ripping off car registration plates. The spree came to an end when police caught him in the act, damaging an electrical box on Richardson Street in the Sandfields area.
Cooper’s actions were brought to light after members of the public reported a male damaging property in the area, leading police to apprehend him on the scene. Subsequent investigations revealed CCTV footage of Cooper walking the streets in the early hours, committing the thefts on multiple occasions. The stolen number plates were later recovered from Cooper’s possession during door-to-door inquiries in Sandfields.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Cooper was also responsible for causing damage to property at the Coyote Ugly bar on Wind Street in Swansea. The cost of repairing the damage was estimated at £300. Cooper, aged 27 of Humphrey Street, Swansea, had previously pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft and two counts of criminal damage relating to these incidents.
During the sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, it was revealed that concerns about Cooper’s mental health had arisen, leading to the preparation of psychiatric reports. Despite the elusive nature of his motives, Judge Paul Thomas KC noted that Cooper’s offending was intrinsically linked to his mental health issues. As a result of the time spent on remand awaiting sentencing, Cooper was set for immediate release from custody.
Ultimately, Cooper was sentenced to four months in prison for each of the theft and criminal damage charges, to run concurrently. The judge highlighted the support measures in place for Cooper upon his release, urging him to take advantage of the assistance to prevent reoffending. Cooper, upon hearing the verdict, expressed a sense of relief, echoing “Home time” to the prison officer in the video booth.
The case of Daniel Cooper serves as a stark reminder of the complex intersection between criminal behaviour and mental health issues. While the motive for Cooper’s car number plate thefts may remain a mystery, the court’s decision to prioritise rehabilitation and support reflects a nuanced approach to addressing such incidents. It underscores the importance of proactive intervention and assistance for individuals grappling with mental health challenges to prevent further harm to themselves and the community. Cooper’s journey towards rehabilitation post-release will be closely monitored, highlighting the ongoing efforts to support individuals in navigating the complexities of mental health and criminal justice.