Finance guru accused of rape 'threatened to zap victim with a Taser'
A woman who accuses a celebrity financial guru of raping her told a jury that he threatened to ‘zap’ her with a Taser gun.
The court heard that Frank Cochran, who runs Wolverhampton-based FSC Investment Services, had bought two stun guns on holiday in America in 2014.
He was later convicted of possession of illegal firearms.
The alleged victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, told the jury: “He threatened to zap me. He said ‘I could take you out and nobody would know’.”
Mr Mark Heywood, QC, defending Cochran, suggested the guns were bought because the 60-year-old wealth advisor, who breeds and shows Alaskan sled dogs, was under threat from ‘rough elements’ he encountered at dog shows, and were never used.
When asked by Mr Heywood whether she took Cochran’s words seriously, the witness replied: ‘Yes, I did. I was frightened of him.”
Stafford Crown Court has heard how she was left ‘a shadow of herself’ after being allegedly raped by Cochran, who ‘sexually, emotionally and physically’ abused her.
The jury were shown photographs of bruises on various parts of her body allegedly inflicted by Cochran, including a four-centimetre mark on her wrist that she said was caused during an assault.
She said she was seeing a doctor for anxiety caused by Cochran following one incident.
Mr Heywood accused her of ‘thoroughly exaggerating’ her claims against the defendant. She denied this, saying she was telling the truth.
Cochran denies a number of allegations, including five counts of rape and one of sexual assault.
The former BT worker, who lives in a large detached home near Wheaton Aston, South Staffordshire, made his name by advising the rich and famous – including representing ex-Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona.
As well as his position at FSC Investment Services, businessman Cochran is also a director of Celebrity Financial Planning and Floodlight Wealth Management.
In 2009, Celebrity Financial Planning was named as being Wolverhampton Wanderers FC’s ‘official wealth management provider’, aimed at arranging deals for players.
However, that arrangement ended several years ago.
Cochran, of Marston, Church Eaton, Stafford, was also formerly a prominent member of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.
The trial continues.
