Jail for man who tried to hide evidence of assault

A successful search against time uncovered vital evidence that led to a ‘nasty’ and ‘conniving’ man being sent to prison on Friday (30 September).

Jason Copping (49) of Ganstead appeared at Hull Crown Court charged with actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice in relation to an incident in April.

Copping was arrested in relation to a domestic assault in which the victim was attacked and beaten before being left seemingly unconscious. The incident was caught on Copping’s own CCTV and he attempted to hide the hard drive. Thankfully, officers from CID and patrol uncovered the item whilst Copping was still in custody.

At court on Friday, Copping pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to 18-months in jail, and also handed an indefinite restraining order.

Officer in the case, DC Nicky Adamson, said: “I would like to thank the victim for her support and courage throughout the investigation and court proceedings. This was a prolonged, violent and completely unprovoked incident in which he attacked and beat his victim, before leaving her seemingly unconscious on the ground in cold weather in the early hours of the morning.

“Copping is a conniving individual who tried to hide vital evidence in the form of CCTV footage that showed the attack. I am incredibly thankful to my team who uncovered the evidence in a challenging location whilst Copping had just an hour left in custody.

“This damning piece of evidence was pivotal in securing a custodial sentence and a form of closure to his victim.”

Detective Sergeant Tracy St Paul said: “I would like to praise the tenacity of the team for bringing this violent man to justice.

“I would appeal for anyone who has been a victim of serious violence to report it to us and we will act upon it.”