Former Great Yarmouth teacher jailed for life for child sex offences
He'll spend a minimum of 12 years behind bars
Last updated 19th Jul 2023
A former Great Yarmouth teacher has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 12 years for multiple sexual offences against children.
56 year old Richard Cosburn, of Mill Road, admitted to a total of 23 offences including multiple rapes dating back to the early 2000s.
His victims were aged 16 or under.
Cosburn previously worked in schools in the Bromley, Bradwell, Gorleston and Great Yarmouth areas although the offences are not thought to be linked to his career.
In a statement read out in court, one of the victims 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 was originally arrested by the Metropolitan Police in 2020 after reports he'd abused a girl in Great Yarmouth.
He was re-arrested in 2022 on suspicion of further offences and his mobile phones and other electronic devices were seized.
Norfolk Police were able to local a considerable number of indecent images of children.
DI Andy Hill of Norfolk Police 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.”