Locations
Mill Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31
Description
Former teacher Richard Cosburn has been sentenced to a minimum of 12 years for multiple sexual offences against children at Norwich Crown Court today (19 July 2023).
Cosburn, 56, from Mill Road in Great Yarmouth, admitted a total of 23 sex offences against four child victims including multiple rapes against children with the offences dating back to the early 2000s against victims aged 16 and under.
A statement from one of his victim’s, read in court by a police officer, said: “Sometimes I find myself closing my eyes to pretend this is all just a bad dream but the feelings of anxiety never go away …my willingness to try and forgive and forget has gone. I will never be able to forgive what he has done.”
Cosburn is believed to have previously worked at schools in Bromley, Bradwell, Gorleston and Great Yarmouth areas. His offending was not linked to his work.
Cosburn, who pleaded guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing, was originally arrested by the Metropolitan police in Bromley in October 2020. This followed reports he had groomed and abused a young girl in the Great Yarmouth.
Following further investigation, he was re-arrested and charged on 13 December 2022.
Cosburn’s home was searched and various electronic devices, mobile phones, USB, camera, camcorder, laptop, and memory disks were seized.
Norfolk Police took over the investigation and when digital examination of his devices was completed, police found a considerable number of indecent images and videos relating to Cosburn’s offending both in the UK and overseas.
DI Andy Hill said: “Cosburn is a prolific sexual predator who has abused the trust of children. His actions have caused untold damage in a crime that often resonates throughout a person’s life and can impact on a vast array of areas from relationships to mental health. I would like to commend the victims of Cosburn who have been exceptionally brave in providing evidence leading to this outcome.”