MICHAEL COSSINS FROM DARLINGTON CONVICTED OF ABUSE: VICTIM SPEAKS OUT AFTER 30 YEARS

In a deeply emotional and courageous act, a woman from Darlington has publicly shared her harrowing experience of abuse, choosing to waive her right to anonymity to shed light on the trauma she endured over three decades ago. Her story highlights the long-lasting scars of childhood abuse and underscores the importance of speaking out, regardless of the passage of time.

Rachel, the victim, revealed that she was sexually assaulted by her uncle, Michael Cossins, during a period when he was babysitting at her family home in Darlington. She was only eight years old at the time, while Cossins was 16. The assault took place within the confines of her family’s residence, a place that should have been a sanctuary but instead became the site of her suffering.

Michael Cossins, now aged 44, was brought to justice after a trial at Teesside Crown Court, where he faced three charges related to the abuse. Despite the conviction, he was sentenced to a suspended jail term, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions. The court heard that Cossins had endured his own hardships, which his legal team argued should be taken into account.

Rachel, who has since become a businesswoman, expressed her resilience and hope that her decision to speak out would encourage others to come forward. She stated, “I suffered in silence for many years and others should not do the same – it does not help. Other people in my position should come forward immediately. Yes, it is really hard, but it is not half as hard as living a lie for such a long time.”

Throughout the trial, Cossins maintained his innocence, insisting that he had never behaved inappropriately towards his niece. His barrister, Dan Cordey, argued that Cossins was an immature boy at the time and that his actions, or lack thereof, should be viewed within that context. Mr. Cordey told Judge Michael Taylor, “He is likely to have been an immature boy moving on to being a man at the time. It is that fact and the fact he has not committed anything further for 28 years which could allow the court to draw back from immediate custody.”

Further, the defense highlighted the social consequences Cossins faced following his conviction. Mr. Cordey explained that social media had been abuzz with discussions about Cossins, leading to the loss of his employment. “He has lost his good character, he has lost his good name. These sort of offences carry with them a great stigma,” he said. The court was told that Cossins had surrendered his work badge and was no longer able to return to his previous employment, which involved working as a taxi driver.

Rachel responded to Cossins’ claims of suffering, expressing empathy but also emphasizing the impact of his actions on her life. “My heart aches for him,” she said. “A lot of my family – not close family, though – have turned against me. My mam and dad have had so much hassle and it is so wrong. Giving evidence during the trial was tough and getting the guilty verdicts was the most important thing. The sentence is irrelevant, really. Sending him to prison would not really do anybody any good. The crucial thing for me was that I was believed, and the jury did believe me.”

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Cossins’ downfall was partly due to his own actions. He believed his past was a secret that would remain hidden forever. Rachel had confided in only two school friends years after the abuse, never telling her parents, and spent years trying to forget her ordeal. However, last year, she confided in her younger sister, who then confronted Cossins at his workplace about the allegations. Cossins responded by reporting her to the police, but the truth was uncovered when officers spoke to Rachel, who confirmed the accusations.

Rachel admitted, “It was true, so it was a really silly move to make. I actually had no intention of going to the police. I was just going to live with it. I had told my mam and dad a couple of years ago, but told them not to say anything, and just leave it.”

Michael Cossins, of Denmark Street in Darlington, was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child. Judge Taylor sentenced him to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to register as a sex offender. The judge emphasized the factors of Cossins’ age and immaturity at the time, noting his previously unblemished record and the fact that he has not been in trouble since. “You were in a position of trust. You robbed that girl of her innocence,” the judge stated.

He concluded by acknowledging the severity of the offences but also recognizing the circumstances, saying, “What is relevant are two factors – firstly, your age at the time, and your relative immaturity. You had not been in trouble before then and, more importantly, you have not been in trouble since. You have 27 years of unblemished character to call upon.”

For victims of abuse seeking help, The Meadows sexual assault referral centre is available at 0191-301-8554 or through their website, themeadowsdurham.org.uk. The centre offers vital services including advice, support, counseling, and sexual health screening to assist those affected by such traumatic experiences.