DAVID COSGROVE CAUGHT PEERING THROUGH BATHROOM DOOR IN DUNFERMLINE AND LASSWADE

In a disturbing incident that took place in April 2020, a young woman found herself the target of an invasive voyeurism act carried out by David Cosgrove, a man residing in Lasswade, Midlothian. The victim, who is now 19 years old, was in her bathroom preparing to take a shower when she noticed an unsettling presence. She observed Cosgrove entering her home in Dunfermline and became immediately suspicious when she saw him squatting near her bathroom door.

What heightened her alarm was the fact that Cosgrove had previously removed the lock from the bathroom door handle, creating a small opening through which he was able to peer. She quickly realized his intentions when she saw him attempting to look into her bathroom through this makeshift gap. Recognizing the danger, she began recording the incident on her mobile phone, capturing footage of Cosgrove as he tried to observe her while she was undressing.

Frightened and overwhelmed, the young woman stopped filming but later revealed the recorded footage to the police in June 2023. This evidence led to the arrest of David Cosgrove, who was then 48 years old and living in Lasswade. During the subsequent court proceedings at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, Cosgrove pleaded guilty to the charge of voyeurism under the Scottish Sexual Offences Act.

The prosecution, represented by the procurator fiscal, detailed that the victim was partially undressed at the time of the incident and felt deeply violated by Cosgrove’s attempt to watch her. Despite the seriousness of the offence, Cosgrove was described by his legal counsel as being 'entirely of good character' and having no prior convictions. His early admission of guilt was noted by the court.

In light of the guilty plea, the sheriff decided to adjourn sentencing until October 11, to allow for the preparation of background reports. Cosgrove was placed on the Sexual Offenders Register and was released on bail under the condition that he must not contact the victim. The final sentence will be determined after the court reviews the additional reports and considers the full circumstances of the case.