KEVIN COUSINS FROM MELKSHAM SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES IN SWINDON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Melksham, Kevin Cousins, a 37-year-old man with ties to the town, was convicted of serious sexual offences involving a young child. The incident, which took place over a period spanning from September 2016 to March of the following year, led to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings at Swindon Crown Court.

Kevin Cousins, who was employed as a teaching assistant at various schools in north Wiltshire, admitted to engaging in inappropriate and criminal behavior towards a child aged between four and five years old. The court heard that Cousins not only assaulted the child but also took explicit photographs during the abuse, a revelation that added to the severity of his charges.

The court documents reveal that Cousins pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault on the young victim. Additionally, he admitted to taking two indecent photographs of the child during the same period. His actions did not stop there; he also confessed to possessing three counts of indecent images of children, which further underscored the gravity of his misconduct.

During the hearing, Cousins appeared visibly distressed, crying in the dock as he acknowledged his guilt. His defense attorney, Clair Fear, highlighted that her client has been suffering from mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, which she argued should be taken into account during sentencing.

Judge Tim Mousley QC presided over the case and decided to adjourn sentencing until March 1 to allow the probation service to prepare a comprehensive pre-sentence report. The judge emphasized the importance of assessing whether Cousins poses a significant risk of reoffending and whether he might cause serious harm in the future.

In addressing Cousins directly, Judge Mousley warned him, “You must prepare yourself for a long sentence, do you understand.” Despite the seriousness of the charges, the judge granted bail under strict conditions, including a prohibition on contacting witnesses or having unsupervised contact with children. Cousins was also informed that he would be required to register as a sex offender, with the duration of this registration to be determined after sentencing.

This case has raised concerns within the Melksham community about safety and the importance of safeguarding children from potential predators. The court proceedings continue as authorities work to ensure justice is served and that measures are in place to prevent any future harm.