THOMAS COZENS CAUGHT IN SOLIHULL FOR SECRETLY RECORDING WOMEN URINATING IN BATHROOMS

Thomas Cozens, a 21-year-old man residing in Ryclose Croft, Solihull, was found guilty of a disturbing voyeuristic act that involved secretly recording women in a public restroom. The incident took place in 2021 when Cozens, then 19 years old, covertly placed a mobile phone inside a toilet cubicle, concealed beneath a layer of toilet paper to avoid detection. His actions were aimed at capturing women as they urinated, with the device recording images that included their genitals visible on the footage.

During the court proceedings, the victim described the act as 'humiliating,' highlighting the invasive and distressing nature of the offense. The court heard that Cozens deliberately set up the device in the bathroom, taking care to hide it with toilet paper, which demonstrated premeditation and intent. When the phone was examined, authorities confirmed that it had recorded women in the act of urinating, with their genitals clearly visible in the footage.

Prosecutor Eugene Egan addressed the court, stating, "You placed a phone in a toilet cubicle and deliberately took steps to avoid detection by covering it with toilet paper. When examined, it was found to have recorded females urinating, with their genitals visible." The court also considered the psychological aspects of the case, with the prosecution asserting that Cozens's actions were motivated by a desire for sexual gratification, with the intent to replay the recordings later.

Despite denying an initial charge of voyeurism, Cozens was convicted after a trial. The incident was linked to his mental health struggles, including depression, which the defense argued should be taken into account. The judge at Birmingham Crown Court sentenced Cozens to a three-year community order. This order requires him to complete a sexual offenders program, participate in 40 days of rehabilitation activities, and perform 200 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £500 in costs, to be paid at a rate of £10 per week due to his limited income. Cozens is also mandated to register as a sex offender.

In considering his mental health issues, the court opted for a suspended sentence, believing that a community-based approach would be more beneficial for his rehabilitation than incarceration. The judge emphasized that the longer duration of the community order would serve as a constructive measure to address his behavior and mental health concerns.