21/12/95 - STATEMENT of JAMES DEREK COOPER

NAME: JAMES DEREK COOPER
AGE / DATE OF BIRTH: 53 09011942

Who states:- This statement consisting of 002 pages, each signed by me, is true to the best of my knowledge and belief and I make it knowing that if it is tendered in evidence I shall be liable to prosecution if I have wilfully stated in it anything which I know to be false or do not believe to be true.

DATED: 211295
J D COOPER (SIGNED)

I have known Christopher WHEATLEY for around ten years. I first met him when he worked as a doorman at a Discotheque 'RAINS' in Southend. This place has since changed its name to 'CLUB ART'.

On Wednesday 061295 Chris and I had a meal at the 'Pipe of Port' restaurant on Tylers Avenue, Southend. We had arranged a few days earlier that we would make up a foursome Chris taking a lady friend and I would take a lady Debbie JONES. We had booked a table for 2030 hours that evening.

I recall I made the booking for this meal on the 241195. I met Chris in the bar at the restaurant about 2015 hours he had arrived with a lady friend a white lady aged about 25 - 30 yrs old but I don't know her name.

I remember the evening well as my lady friend did not turn up. I spent the evening at the 'Pipe of Port' with Chris and his lady friend. We all ate a meal and we were the last to leave. I believe the time was around 2330 hours, I recall I spoke to the Chef for a while as I was leaving.

As I had used a taxi to get to the restaurant I got a lift home with Chris and his girlfriend. Chris was driving a dark blue or black coloured FORD I'm not good on car descriptions so I don't know exactly what type it was.

Chris dropped me off on the corner of Bournes Green Chase at its junction with Shoebury Road. The time would have been about 2350 hours.

I'd had a fair bit to drink but I believe we had left Southend Town Centre and driven along Southchurch Road to my place. I would add that I paid for all three of us at the restaurant on my VISA card.

J D COOPER SIGNED
STATEMENT TAKEN PLACE:
TIME:
DATE: 211295
WITNESS TO SIGNATURE:
OFFICERS SIGNATURE: DS1721 SANDFORD