A senior member of the Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club, Scott Cook, has pleaded guilty to sexually touching a local surgeon without consent during a community event last year. Cook, 57, admitted to the offense on Tuesday.
While posing for a group photograph at a lifesaving function, the surgeon reported feeling Cook's hand grab and squeeze her lower right buttock for about two to three seconds. In a statement provided to the court, she described the touch as occurring in her perineal region and stated the hand only released when she turned.
Upon turning, the surgeon identified Cook as the individual who had touched her. Another attendee questioned Cook about the action. The surgeon stated she was "instantly in shock and felt completely uncomfortable" and attempted to distance herself from Cook in the photo, despite his encouragement to participate.
She further elaborated in her statement that the act was "unsolicited, unexpected and unconsented and it left me feeling violated and disgusted." She reported feeling angry and enraged in the days following the incident.
Approximately one month after the assault, the surgeon learned that Cook had nominated himself for the position of Newcastle Surf Lifesaving Club's complaints officer. This discovery prompted her to file a formal complaint with the club and report the assault to the New South Wales Police.
Cook, a former detective and private investigator, has been a long-serving volunteer at the surf club. He has previously been recognized as the club's Lifesaver of the Year in 2020 and Assessor of the Year in 2021. He also holds the National Medal for 15 seasons of beach patrolling. He has held past roles including club treasurer and an accredited assessor for lifesaving awards.
Newcastle Surf Lifesaving Club president Mike Collins confirmed that Cook's membership was suspended after the surgeon's complaint was received, with Surf Lifesaving Australia handling the matter. Collins could not definitively confirm Cook's nomination for the complaints officer role, stating that Cook often volunteered for various positions.
Cook has been on bail since November, with conditions prohibiting him from approaching the surgeon's home or workplace, or attending the surf club. Despite pleading guilty, Cook contested certain aspects of the police account during a hearing. He is scheduled to appear for a sentencing hearing in Sutherland Local Court in November.