Former Wolverhampton headteacher 'too ill to stand trial' in sex case filmed giving public talk
New evidence in the case of a former Tettenhall College headmaster accused of sexually abusing boys is to be reviewed by police.
Police are investigating secretly-recorded video footage that shows Colin Cope joking and reciting poetry at a public talk just eight months after the case against him was halted because he was 'too ill'.
West Midlands officers say any new evidence will be passed on to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration of reopening the case against the 83-year-old.
Today, the Express & Star can also reveal that the allegations against Cope are likely to be looked at by the independent child sex abuse inquiry set up by the Government.
Two of Cope's alleged victims, Andrew Wood, aged 56, of Hereford and Mark Shelton, aged 57, of Shifnal – who have waived their right to anonymity – have spoken about the lasting emotional and psychological damage they allege they suffered in the early 1970s.
Cope, who now lives in an 18th century National Trust property in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset, was charged with 11 sexual offences against children aged 11 to 13.
But a jury at Shrewsbury Crown Court never got to hear any of the evidence because Judge Robin Onions stayed the case on Cope's health grounds and ruled the long passage of time – more than 35 years – since the offences were said to have taken place, created difficulties for the defendant to challenge the prosecution case.
Cope denied any wrongdoing.
Tettenhall College paid £129,000 to settle civil action by five former pupils, including Mr Wood and Mr Shelton.
They received payments ranging from £5,000 to £60,000 when they agreed to settle the claim against the school. Liability was not admitted by the school. The school stresses the allegations date back more than 40 years.
West Midlands Police spokesman Deb Edmonds confirmed the footage was being reviewed.
West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson said: "It is absolutely right the police review the new video footage. I hope they will be seeking the guidance of specialist prosecutors in the CPS."
Despite extensive efforts the Express & Star has been unable to contact Mr Cope. His solicitor, Julian Hardy, declined to comment.
