News

A former senior chief immigration officer who had more than 10,000 indecent images of children has been jailed for 10 years.

Paul Cosier, 51, previously of Clifford Gardens in Deal, had pleaded guilty to 17 sex offences earlier in the year, including one offence of rape of a child under the age of 13. The other 16 offences he admitted related to images of child abuse.

Judge Adele Williams sentencing him at Canterbury Crown Court, described his conduct as so grave that no excuse could minimise it.

Cosier was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register and has also been banned from working with children for life.

After the case, Det Insp Matthew Long, from Kent Police’s public protection unit, said: “Compiling and distributing a sickening collection of over 10,000 indecent images of children was clearly not enough for this man.

“He has continuously interacted with other like-minded people and discussed the sexual abuse of children.

“Cosier has not only gone on to commit serious sexual abuse of a young vulnerable child but took photographs of this horrific act. The sentencing reflects the severity of his actions.

“This man was believed to be of good character, working in a position of trust. Clearly he has betrayed that trust.

“I hope that this highlights to everyone that this type of offender can come from any social background and not restricted to a stereotypical criminal.

“Everyone should be aware that this horrendous type of offence is happening and should report any suspicious activity to police.”