Celebrity finance expert to face rape charge
A celebrity financial adviser has been charged with rape and a string of other offences.
Frank Cochran, who runs Wolverhampton-based FSC Investment Services Limited, in Waterloo Road opposite Molineux, will appear before magistrates on six charges.
He is accused of a single count of rape as well as sexual assault, harassment, engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour, and two counts of assault.
Cochran, 59, who lives in a large detached home near Wheaton Aston, South Staffordshire, made his name by advising the rich and famous – including representing ex-Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona.
As well as FSC Investment Services Limited, he is a director of Celebrity Financial Planning Limited and Floodlight Wealth Management Limited. His company claims to manage investments worth £100m.
In 2009, Celebrity Financial Planning Limited became the ‘official wealth management provider’ for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ employees, corporate clients and supporters. The deal ended several years ago, however.
Cochran has been a regular media personality, appearing as a commentator on TV and writing for national newspapers.
He built up a large public profile and was a prominent member of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, with FSC Investment Services signing up as a part of the prestigious ‘patron group’ last year. But the company is no longer a member of the group, the chamber told the Express & Star.
Cochran’s lawyer Mohsin Afsar said his client ‘strenuously denied’ the allegations.
FSC Investment Services was set up in 1997 and specialises in financial planning.
Cochran is a keen shooter and enjoys sledding with Alaskan dogs. He was born in Scotland and started an apprenticeship with BT before working for a funeral director in Coventry and then Unilever.
He started in the financial services industry in 1979, later creating FSC Investment Services from a bedroom in Perton. The business moved to offices in Codsall before relocating to its current home.
Cochran is due to appear at Cannock Magistrates’ Court on September 6.
A police spokesman said: “Frank Cochran will appear before magistrates in Cannock next month. He is currently on bail.”
