The Swindon Paedophile, Steven Cozens, has received a life sentence for his egregious offences involving the sexual abuse of a seven-year-old girl.
Steven Cozens, 42, of Swindon, first entered a plea of not guilty but then altered his plea during the trial.
Steven Cozens received a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years at Swindon Crown Court on 8 December.
He was also subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) at the sentencing.
Subsequent to the girl, now ten years old, revealing information on the abuse, her grandma filed a Sarah’s Law request with the police.
The legislation is integral to a Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme that permits law enforcement to disseminate information regarding sex offenders.
Steven Cozens was convicted of sexual assault against a child under 13, inducing a kid under 13 to partake in sexual conduct, and the possession or creation of indecent photos of children, as well as the possession or creation of banned images.
The court heard how the victim’s grandmother – who knew of the defendant – arrived home one day to find Steven Cozens working in her garden unsolicited, in July 2021.
It was then told he took advantage of the grandmother and ingratiated himself with her, visiting the house regularly.
He was occasionally left alone with the victim which was when the abuse took place.
Investigating officer Robert Sweeney said these were “horrific crimes” committed when Steven Cozens was trusted by the victim’s grandmother.
“Despite the overwhelming evidence discovered on his phone, Steven 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.
“I would like to commend her for the bravery she has shown right from the beginning of this traumatic ordeal.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.