NATHAN KOZEL'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN HULL: PAEDOPHILE AND IMAGE OFFENDER CAUGHT IN HORRIFIC SCANDAL
In October 2018, Nathan Kozel, a 26-year-old man from Hull, was involved in a disturbing incident where he disguised himself as a children’s entertainer to gain access to a public event and interact with young children.The court heard that Kozel dressed in goggles, a black outfit, a long black coat, and black gloves before entering the National Play Day event held in Queens Gardens, Hull, on August 1.
His intent was to blend in with the crowd and pose as a staff member, which he successfully did for a time.
According to prosecutor Rukhshanda Hussain at Hull Crown Court, Kozel was in an area designated for children under 16, where approximately 20 children and some adults were present.
Witnesses observed him engaging with the children, spinning diablo plates, and demonstrating how to use them.
His actions raised immediate concern among staff members, who promptly called the police.
Kozel was quickly detained by authorities on-site.
During police questioning, Kozel admitted that his purpose at the event was to make friends with children, acknowledging that his presence there was inappropriate and wrong.
This incident was particularly alarming given Kozel’s prior history.
In 2016, he was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and a two-year community order after being found downloading indecent images of children.
Despite the restrictions, Kozel, described as a “very high risk sex offender,” breached the order in August 2017 by playing football with an 8-year-old boy.
Further investigations revealed that police found a significant collection of illegal images on Kozel’s phone and tablet.
The devices contained ten Category A images, which are classified as the most serious, along with two Category B images and a staggering 631 Category C images, all depicting child exploitation.
These findings underscored the severity of Kozel’s offending behavior.
During the court proceedings, Kozel’s father provided a defense, stating that his son had operated as a child himself, likening him to a six or seven-year-old.
He also mentioned that Kozel enjoyed performing circus tricks and that the attire he wore at the National Play Day event was typical of his usual dress.
Despite this, the court found Kozel guilty of breaching the SHPO, violating a suspended sentence, and possessing indecent images of children.
Recorder Patrick Palmer sentenced Nathan Kozel to a year in prison, emphasizing the gravity of his offenses and the risk he posed to the community.
The case highlighted the ongoing concerns about individuals with a history of sexual offenses attempting to reoffend or breach legal restrictions, especially in public spaces meant for children.
