Sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl.

Predatory Offender Jailed for Life After Sexually Abusing Seven-Year-Old Girl

Steven Cozens, 42, of Swindon, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 10 years after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl.

Cozens initially pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault of a child under 13, causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and possession or making indecent images of children. However, he changed his plea to guilty during the trial.

The abuse took place over a period of time during which Cozens was left alone with the victim, who had been introduced to him by her grandmother, who was unaware of his true nature.

The court heard how Cozens had ingratiated himself with the grandmother by offering to work in her garden, and he would regularly visit the house, often being left alone with the victim.

The victim, now 10 years old, bravely disclosed the abuse to her grandmother, who then submitted a Sarah's Law request to Wiltshire Police.

Cozens was arrested the following day and was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on December 8th.

Investigating officer Robert Sweeney commended the victim for her bravery and said: "These are horrific crimes committed by Cozens when he was trusted by the victim's grandmother. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Cozens initially pleaded not guilty, forcing the young victim to endure the trauma of a trial. I am pleased he has been given a life sentence which reflects the awful nature of his crimes."