Father sentenced to 13 years for raping daughter and abusing friends during sleepovers

In Auckland, Adam Cowden was sentenced to 13 years behind bars for a series of child sexual offences that spanned almost three years, including the rape of his own daughter and the sexual exploitation of her friends during sleepovers. Police searches of his home revealed more than 4,000 videos and 8,000 images, half of which were classified as objectionable, many showing his daughter’s prolonged abuse. Judge Belinda Sellars noted the high degree of planning, the systematic grooming of the children and the profound betrayal of trust, emphasizing the lifelong impact on the victims and their families.

Cowden’s sentencing considered early guilty pleas, prior good character and remorse, resulting in a reduced term from a starting point of over 25 years. A protection order was also imposed to safeguard the surviving victims. The case underscores the severe consequences of child sexual exploitation and the court’s commitment to open justice.