'Arrogant’ financial guru to the stars jailed for seven years for abuse of woman

Frank Cochran whispered ‘love you’ to his partner before he was escorted to the cells after jurors sealed his fate yesterday.

The celebrity financial advisor walked from the dock with his head to the ground after the court heard how his offending left his victim ‘scarred’.

Sentencing at Stafford Crown Court, Judge Jonathan Gosling said: “You treated her dreadfully to satisfy your own desires.

“You became, after years of hard work, a highly successful businessman. You have an obvious talent for financial affairs and you were the choice for a number of wealthy, well-known individuals and substantial organisations for your advice.

“Outwardly, you exuded confidence and charm. You were superior and arrogant to those you came into contact with.”

Prosecutors alleged Cochran carried out sexual, emotional and physical abuse against his victim – who cannot be named for legal reasons.

But Cochran, who runs Wolverhampton-based FSC Investment Services Ltd, claimed the allegations were ‘invented’ and dubbed his victim a ‘fantasist’.

Jurors unanimously convicted the 60-year-old of sexual assault, putting a person in fear of violence by harassment and controlling or coercive behaviour. Prosecutor Miss Michelle Colborne QC said Cochran’s offending had left the once ‘bubbly’ woman battling post traumatic stress disorder and unable to work.

She added: “Emotionally and psychologically, she has been very badly scarred.

“She feels distressed, worthless and ashamed. The defendant takes no ownership for his actions or behaviour. There has been no apology from him.”

Cochran employs 13 people at Waterloo Road’s FSC Investment Services Ltd.

The former BT worker represented celebrities including Kerry Katona through his links with disgraced PR guru Max Clifford.

The defendant, who must sign the sex offenders register for life, also runs Staffordshire-based Floodlight Wealth Management Ltd.

Defence barrister Mr Mark Heywood QC said Cochran, of Marston, Church Eaton, Stafford, ‘single-handedly’ built his empire.

But his businesses ‘stands in peril’ and will collapse without Cochran at the helm, the barrister added.

Cochran was acquitted of five rapes and three further sexual assaults.

DC Gareth Jones, of Staffordshire Police, said: “I welcome the verdict and, in particular, commend the courage it took for the victim to come forward and give her evidence.”