Man sentenced to life after sexually abusing child

A predatory offender has been jailed for life with a minimum of 10 years after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl.

Steven Cozens, 42, of Swindon, initially pleaded not guilty to 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.

During the trial, Cozens changed his plea to guilty.

In a hearing at Swindon Crown Court on December 8, Cozens was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 10 years.

He is also subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) indefinitely.

The court heard how in July 2021, the victim’s grandmother – who knew of the defendant – arrived home one day to find Cozens working in her garden unsolicited.

Cozens then took advantage of the grandmother and ingratiated himself with her, visiting the house regularly.

He was occasionally left alone with the victim which is when the abuse took place.

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.

She was then contacted by officers from the Force and Cozens was arrested the following day.

Investigating officer Robert Sweeney said: “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 be put through the trauma of a trial.

“Thankfully he has then changed his plea, but not before the young victim was required to give evidence herself.

“I would like to commend her for the bravery she has shown right from the beginning of this traumatic ordeal.

“I am pleased Cozens has been given a life sentence which reflects the awful nature of his crimes.

“This incident also shows the importance of Sarah’s Law, where you can ask us if you’re worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child to find out if that person is a risk.”

For more information on Sarah’s Law, visit Sarah's Law (Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme) | Wiltshire Police.