Steven Cozens, a 42-year-old from Swindon, has been handed a life sentence, with a minimum of 10 years, for pleading guilty to sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl.
Initially, Cozens pleaded not guilty to charges including sexual assault of a child under 13, causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, possession or making indecent images of children, and possession or making of prohibited images. However, during the trial, he changed his plea to guilty.
In addition to life imprisonment, Cozens is now subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) indefinitely.
The court learned that in July 2021, the victim’s grandmother, who knew Cozens, came home and found him working in her garden without invitation. Seizing the opportunity, Cozens ingratiated himself with the grandmother, making regular visits to her home. During these visits, he was occasionally left alone with the young victim, where the abuse occurred.
After the victim, now aged 10, bravely disclosed details about the abuse, her grandmother submitted a Sarah’s Law (Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme) request to Wiltshire Police, which allows the police to share information about sex offenders.
Promptly responding to the request, officers from Wiltshire Police arrested Cozens the following day. Investigating officer Robert Sweeney highlighted the gravity of the crimes, expressing dismay at Cozens’ initial plea that necessitated the young victim to undergo the trauma of a trial.
“Despite the overwhelming evidence discovered on his phone, Cozens initially pleaded not guilty which forced the young victim to be put through the trauma of a trial,” he said.
“Thankfully he has then changed his plea, but not before the young victim was required to give evidence herself.”
Sweeney commended the victim for her unwavering bravery throughout this traumatic ordeal. He stated, “I am pleased Cozens has been given a life sentence, which reflects the awful nature of his crimes.”
The case underscores the vital role of Sarah’s Law, providing a mechanism for concerned individuals to inquire about potential risks to children.
