Celebrity financial adviser jailed for ‘dreadful’ campaign of abuse
A FINANCIAL adviser who boasted of his celebrity clientele has been jailed for subjecting a woman to a terrifying campaign of sexual, emotional and physical abuse.
Frank Cochran, 60, who made regular appearances on television news programmes, “bullied and manipulated” his victim and even carried an electric stun gun just to “scare her”.
Cochran, who was a friend of the disgraced public relations mogul Max Clifford, was found guilty after a twoweek trial of harassment and controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault by penetration. He was jailed for seven years.
Cochran’s downfall has been spectacular. Less than a year ago he was convicted of illegal possession of two stun guns bought in California. He had claimed the weapons were to protect himself from jealous rivals at a dog show in the US. Cochran, of Church Eaton, Staffs, claimed to have Premier League footballers among his clients although he declined to say who. One of his named clients was Kerry Katona, the pop singer, who hired him to try to retrieve her missing millions. It is thought several were introduced through Clifford, who died aged 74 in prison last year.
Stafford Crown Court heard that Cochran was “a successful businessman who thrived on being in control and being shown respect”. The court was told how he had attacked his victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, kicking her under a table while in company, squeezed her neck, pinched her, threatened to kill her, and struck her in the eye with his elbow.
His victim was left with post-traumatic stress disorder and unable to work. Michelle Colborne, prosecuting, said: “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.”
Sentencing Cochran, Judge Jonathan Gosling said: “You treated her dreadfully to satisfy your own desires.
“You became, after years of hard work, a highly successful businessman.
“Outwardly, you exuded confidence and charm. You were superior and arrogant to those you came into contact with.”
Cochran, who runs Wolverhamptonbased FSC Investment Services Ltd, had claimed the allegations were “invented” and dubbed her a “fantasist”. Cochran was acquitted of five charges of rape and three sexual assaults.