Wiltshire man who abused girl, 7, jailed for life

Cozens was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 10 years

A man has been jailed for life for his "horrific crimes" in sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl.

Steven Cozens, 42, of Swindon, initially pleaded not guilty but then changed his plea mid-trial.

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

During the sentencing he was also subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) indefinitely.

After the victim, now aged 10, disclosed details about the abuse, her grandmother submitted a Sarah's Law request to police.

The law is part of a Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme which allows the police to share information about sex offenders.

Cozens was found guilty of 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.

'This traumatic ordeal'

The court heard how the victim's grandmother - who knew of the defendant - arrived home one day to find 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 Cozens 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," 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."