The Crown Prosecution Service’s dedicated Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit prosecuted Edward Gratwick, 68, following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Warning: Distressing details.

The court heard that Gratwick was arrested at Stansted Airport in March before boarding a flight to Bucharest, Romania.

His home address was searched and a number of electronic devices and the drug GBL was found in his property.

Analysis of his devices found hundreds of indecent images of children (IIOC) and numerous chats across a number of encrypted applications in which he discussed arranging and facilitating child sexual abuse with others.

In his online conversations, the defendant sent IIOC to others and made arrangements to abuse specific children in the UK and abroad. These arrangements were often had with relatives of the children targeted.

Gratwick also facilitated and helped others arrange to abuse children. In one conversation, Gratwick made an offer to supply GBL to another man to use on a child so that they could be sedated before he sexually abused them.

In another conversation with a person based in Romania, the defendant discussed how much extra it would cost a customer to beat a 10-year-old child he purported to be managing.

At trial, the prosecution used extensive digital and physical evidence to prove Gratwick’s intent to commit sexual offences against children and to facilitate the abuse of children by other like-minded individuals.

Today, the jury found him guilty of 38 offences. He had already pleaded guilty to two other counts.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced in November.

Danielle Pownall, Senior Investigating Officer at the NCA said: “The chat logs recovered from Edward Gratwick’s devices are some of the worst seen by specialist child abuse investigators at the NCA.

“Gratwick has continually denied the offences he faced, despite overwhelming and indisputable evidence, which shows his lack of remorse and disregard for the safety and welfare of children.

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the members of jury, who over the last six weeks have considered distressing evidence which no-one should ever have to hear. I echo the words of gratitude from Her Honour Judge Harden-Frost in light of what they have heard, culminating in guilty verdicts against Gratwick.

“Work continues with our international partners to identify those who Gratwick was engaging with and we will do everything in our power to safeguard any children from harm, wherever they are. We are grateful for the immediate response and support from UK and international partners during this investigation.”

Work continues to formally identify the victims and ensure safeguarding measures are put in place.