IN THE wake of a verdict in Scott Cooper’s Isle of Wight murder trial, the victim’s grieving girlfriend has paid tribute her soulmate – a ‘lovable rogue, charming and cheeky’.
Piers Brazier, of George Street, Ryde, had been accused of — but always denied — murdering 33-year-old Scott Edward Cooper in a property on George Street.
On Thursday, January 5, after a three-week long trial, members of the jury reached a unanimous verdict of not guilty.
It was the second time Mr Brazier had had to stand trial over the death of Mr Cooper.
Following the trial, Mr Cooper's girlfriend, Jacky Barns, said: “Scott was a very happy guy, always smiling.
“He was very charming, and cheeky, and always joking. He had an awesome sense of humour.
“In light of the verdict, I, and everyone close to him, are astonished and furious."
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She said: “He had an extraordinary amount of people who loved him, who are sickened by the result.
“He had worked very hard for two years to turn his life around, and many people worked with him.
“He had achieved it, secured a permanent home, and was very determined to have a normal life.
“He had a daughter, who he loved very much and was working towards having her in his life.
“He was my soulmate, and we had an extraordinary love.
“The great future he should have had has been robbed from us all."
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What happened to Scott Cooper?
On January 4, 2022, Scott Cooper's body was found in Mr Brazier's flat, and three days later, police named the deceased and informed his next of kin.
A post-mortem revealed Mr Cooper had suffered more than 20 injuries, ranging from stab wounds to grazes.
Three were stab wounds to his neck; among them, the principal injury, which would have proved rapidly fatal.
Police had attended Mr Brazier's address twice — the first time at around 2.50am, acting on information that there had been a domestic complaint.
Not looking for a body at this stage, officers did not look behind the closed shower curtain.
When one noticed a speck of blood on Mr Brazier's hand, they accepted what he told them — that he had suffered a nose bleed earlier in the day.
Following further calls to police, officers attended the address a second time at approximately 12.48pm.
They soon discovered the body of Mr Cooper, upside down in a shower cubicle.
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Ms Barns said: “Will we ever know the truth?
“Scott’s spirit lives on, and everyone has their special memories of him, and stories to treasure.
“We were all blessed to be a part of his life. He is so badly missed, and always will be.
“I am very proud of what he achieved. I will love him for rest of my life.”
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