Sexual predator jailed for more than 17 years after joint police investigation

A sexual predator has been jailed for more than 17 years after his history of sexual offending was uncovered by officers in Northumbria and Durham.

Aidn Cowen targeted two children and an adult and subjected them to a sickening series of sexual offences, including rape.

During the offences against children, he warned he would "hurt" or "slap" them if they did not do what they were told and disregarded their pleas to stop.

He admitted two rape offences against the adult but was convicted by a jury in relation to eight child sex offences.

In an impact statement, the first victim said the abuse left him feeling "completely overwhelmed", confused and "unable to make sense of what happened to me". He added: "I carried so much anger inside and didn't know how to express it in a healthy way.

"I felt I was fighting an internal battle every day but I didn't have the words to explain what I was going through. The offending led to outbursts of anger and frustration."

Cowen, of Mitchell Street, Stanley, County Durham, was yesterday (September 16) jailed for 17 years and eight months with a two-year extended licence period.

The 23-year-old was ordered to sign the sex offenders register and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for life, with Judge Penny Moreland describing Cowen as an "offender of particular concern".

The officer in charge of the adult sex offence from Durham Constabulary was Detective Constable Graeme Whitfield, from West Safeguarding.

He said: “Cowan was manipulative and predatory in targeting his vulnerable victims. He lied throughout the investigation in relation to his involvement in the offences and challenged the victims accounts.

“However, digital evidence obtained during the investigation ensured that Cowans lies were provable.

“When faced with the evidence gathered and put to him during the trial, Cowan could no longer maintain his position and pleaded guilty prior to his cross examination.

“He is a danger to the public and the community is a safer place now he has been convicted.

“I would like to pay tribute to the courage and determination of the victims in coming forward. I would also like to thank the members of the public who became witnesses in the case and supported the investigation.”

The officer in charge of the child sex offences from Northumbria Police was Detective Sergeant Joanne Baird.

Speaking after Cowen’s sentencing, she said: “This result is a culmination of years of thorough and painstaking investigation, and I am extremely happy that Aidn Cowen will be spending a considerable spell in prison.

“He has shown a sustained interest in sexually offending towards both children and adults and is a massive danger to society.”

Det Sgt Baird added: “No child should ever have to endure this type of abuse and as a Force, we’ll do everything we can to protect those most vulnerable in our society.

“The survivors have shown so much bravery throughout this entire process, and they truly deserve to be praised for their and their families’ cooperation to put a manipulative and predatory paedophile behind bars.”