Finance guru Frank Cochran on five rape charges
A celebrity financial advisor carried out ‘sexual, emotional and physical abuse’ against a woman, a court heard.
Frank Cochran’s actions left the victim ‘an emotional wreck,’ Stafford Crown Court was told on the first day of his trial.
The 60-year-old runs Wolverhampton-based FSC Investment Services Limited, which is based in Waterloo Road opposite Molineux.
Prosecutor Miss Michelle Colborne QC told the jury Cochran’s behaviour had left the victim ‘a shell of her former self’.
The court heard Cochran, of Marston, Church Eaton, Stafford, was ‘a successful businessman who thrived on being in control and being shown respect’.
But Miss Colborne said the defendant was also ‘capable of a rapid loss of temper and abusive behaviour’.
He faces allegations including five charges of rape and one of sexual assault.
In the prosecution opening yesterday, Miss Colborne described Cochran as ‘a bully’ who had ‘manipulated’ the victim.
She said: “The indictment is a reflection of the sexual, physical and emotional abuse alleged in this case.”
However, Cochran, who was wearing a grey suit, white shirt, pink and blue diamond patterned tie and glasses, claims the allegations have been ‘invented’ and has called the victim ‘a fantasist,’ the prosecutor added.
As well as FSC Investment Services, Cochran is also a director of Celebrity Financial Planning Limited and Floodlight Wealth Management Limited.
In 2009, Celebrity Financial Planning was named as Wolverhampton Wanderers FC ‘official wealth management provider’, arranging deals for numerous players.
However, that arrangement ended several years ago.
Cochran was also formerly a prominent member of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce. He denies all charges.
The trial, which is due to last six days, continues.
