Former teaching assistant jailed for child sex offences

A man has been sentenced to a total of five years and six months imprisonment after pleading guilty to seven sexual offences relating to children.

Kevin Cousins, aged 36, of Melksham, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on 16th March after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13 and two counts of taking indecent images of children. On a previous date, he also pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of a child.

An investigation into Cousins began by Wiltshire Police back in March 2017 following a report that he had sexually assaulted a child at a Wiltshire school.

Cousins was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a child, and as part of the investigation, his computer was seized and indecent images of children were located. Some of the images were classed as Category A images – the most severe type of child abuse. As well as this, a watch containing a covert camera was located. This was examined but nothing evidential was found within it and there was no evidence to suggest this was used to film children within the school.

Detective Constable Sam Long, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team said, “I welcome the sentence that has been given to Cousins – I believe it reflects the gravity of the offences committed. Cousins was employed as a teaching assistant at a primary school – he held a position of trust and he grossly breached this trust.

“We cannot underestimate the impact of these crimes on his young victim. I cannot praise the child enough in talking to their mother about Cousins’ actions, which in turn led us to identify his offending online. The victim has been extremely brave throughout the investigation and will be provided with the appropriate support moving forward. Because this child has spoken out, they have prevented Cousins from further offending and abusing any more children. It was this disclosure which initiated our investigation. We have worked closely with Wiltshire Council, as well as the school involved, during this investigation which has led to today’s sentencing.

“I would encourage all parents to read about the NSPCC’s advice, called PANTS (The Underwear Rule).  It’s an easy and effective way to talk to children about sexual abuse.”

Cousins was also issued with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said, “We always work with our partners to ensure safeguarding is at the forefront of everything we do. When we are made aware of issues such as this, we work with them to ensure the best possible outcome for those affected.”

The mother of the victim in this case said, “We are shocked and angry at the actions of Cousins and we would ask for sensitivity to our situation and what our child has been through. We still do not know the long term effects on our child. Any careless word, overheard by our child at this stage, could damage them forever and we would ask that people are mindful of this. Our child has been wonderful and extremely brave throughout the entire investigation.

“We would encourage parents to talk openly with their children about how to keep themselves safe, wherever they area, as we did with our child who bravely spoke up and stopped this man in his tracks.”

Candia Crosfield is regional head of the NSPCC’s schools service, which uses the PANTS campaign during its visits to primary schools throughout Wiltshire. She said, “Most parents now recognise that they need to speak to their young children about the dangers they may face from sexual abuse, both in the online and real world, as they grow up.

“However, the reality of having these conversations can be both daunting and very uncomfortable. That is why the NSPCC has created PANTS and continues to develop new ways for our animated mascot Pantosaurus to help young children to learn about how to stay safe from sexual abuse.

“Key to the campaign is the Underwear Rule – Privates are private, Always remember your body belongs to you, No means no, Talk about secrets that upset you, and Speak up, someone can help.”

For more information, visit nspcc.org.uk or call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.  For more information in relation to the Underwear Rule visit www. nspcc. org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/underwear-rule/. To report sexual abuse call police on 101. In an emergency call 999.