COUNTY DURHAM RAPIST JAILED FOR 17 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC SEX ATTACKS ON TWO CHILDREN AND AN ADULT
A serial sex predator who raped a young boy and abused another youngster went on to rape an adult after being released on bail.Aidn Cowen is today starting a prison sentence of more than 17 years after abusing three victims in separate offences.
Newcastle Crown Court heard he had already been arrested for carrying out a sickening catalogue of offences against two children when he raped the adult.
In relation to the first victim, Cowen was convicted of two counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and two counts of assault by penetration.
That boy said he tried to scratch his attacker with his nails to hurt him and tried to get away from him.
Prosecutor Joe Culley said: "There were times when the defendant said if he moved he would hurt him." In relation to the second victim, he was convicted of two counts of rape and two counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
The offences came to light when the victim disclosed to other youngsters what had happened.
The court heard Cowen had threatened to slap him if he reported what he had done and told him to keep it secret.
He admitted two counts of rape in relation to the adult complainant.
He had been released on bail for the earlier offending at the time.
He forced himself on the victim despite their protestations.
When the victim said "no, no, no", Cowen responded "yes, yes, yes".
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, 23, of Mitchell Street, Annfield Plain, Stanley, County Durham, who has no previous convictions, was aged between 16 and 20 at the time of the offences.
He was jailed for a total of 17 years and eight months, with an extended licence period of a further two years.
Judge Penny Moreland also told him he will be on the sex offenders register for life and will be subject to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order.
Tony Davis, defending, said Cowen has refused to accept the verdicts against him.
He added: "He is still a young man with his own vulnerabilities."
