SWINDON SEX OFFENDER STEVEN COZENS SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE
A dangerous predator from Swindon has been handed a life sentence after admitting to the sexual abuse of a seven-year-old girl, with a minimum term of 10 years behind bars.The offender, Steven Cozens, aged 42, initially denied multiple serious charges, including sexual assault of a child under 13, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and possession of indecent images of children, as well as prohibited images.
However, during the course of the trial at Swindon Crown Court, Cozens changed his plea to guilty, acknowledging his guilt for these heinous crimes.
The court proceedings culminated on December 8, when Judge [Name] sentenced Cozens to life imprisonment, stipulating that he must serve at least 10 years before being eligible for parole.
Additionally, Cozens was placed under an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), which aims to restrict his contact with minors and monitor his activities to prevent further offenses.
The case's background reveals disturbing details.
In July 2021, the victim’s grandmother, who was familiar with Cozens, returned home to find him working uninvited in her garden.
This unsolicited visit marked the beginning of a troubling relationship, as Cozens then exploited her trust by visiting her residence regularly.
During these visits, he was sometimes left alone with the young girl, which is when the abuse occurred.
The victim, who is now 10 years old, demonstrated remarkable bravery by disclosing the abuse, prompting her grandmother to take immediate action.
Following her disclosure, the grandmother submitted a request under Sarah’s Law, a Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, to Wiltshire Police.
This scheme allows authorities to share information about registered sex offenders with the public and relevant agencies.
The police responded swiftly, and Cozens was arrested the very next day.
The investigation uncovered substantial evidence, including material found on Cozens’s phone, which confirmed his guilt.
Investigating officer Robert Sweeney expressed his thoughts on the case, stating, “These are horrific crimes committed by Cozens when he was trusted by the victim’s grandmother.
Despite the overwhelming evidence discovered on his phone, Cozens initially pleaded not guilty, which forced the young victim to endure the trauma of a trial.
Thankfully, he changed his plea, but not before the young girl was required to give evidence herself.
I would like to commend her for her incredible bravery throughout this traumatic ordeal.
I am pleased that Cozens has been sentenced to life, reflecting the severity and depravity of his crimes.”
