A South London man who described himself as a "paedo tourist" and engaged in what a judge called "utterly depraved" online discussions about raping children has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Edward Gratwick, 68, from Mitcham, was found guilty of 38 child sex offences following a trial at Guildford Crown Court.
Depraved Online Discussions and Arrest
Gratwick's crimes came to light in March when he was arrested at Stansted Airport while attempting to board a flight to Romania. The National Crime Agency (NCA) had been alerted about a UK national discussing plans online to meet and sexually abuse a nine-year-old girl. Upon his arrest, officers discovered items they believe he intended to use to abuse children.
During the trial, the court heard that Gratwick had sent messages described by Judge Claire Harden-Frost as "the stuff of nightmares." In these exchanges, he sought to arrange the rape of children as young as six, discussed "prices" for abusing children, and made travel arrangements to commit abuse. The judge noted that his offences "speak for themselves" and revealed "just how dangerous you are."
Evidence and Lack of Remorse
After searching Gratwick's home, investigators seized electronic devices containing more than 1,300 indecent images of children, including 632 in the most serious Category A. He had used encrypted apps like Teleguard and Session to communicate with offenders globally, sharing indecent images and discussing child sexual abuse with individuals he believed had access to girls aged six to ten.
Judge Harden-Frost emphasised that Gratwick has "shown no remorse" for his actions. Despite overwhelming evidence, he denied the offences, claiming at trial that he was "seeking to investigate the world of child abuse"—a defence the judge dismissed as a "desperate attempt to avoid conviction."
Sentencing and Legal Response
On Friday, Gratwick was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years. Addressing him in court, Judge Harden-Frost stated, "You have shown yourself to be utterly manipulative, you have the tools to deceive and avoid detection."
Robbie Weber, a specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, commented after the sentencing: "The abuse Edward Gratwick described inflicting on young children with other like-minded individuals was abhorrent. It was clear from the evidence that he was intent on harming and abusing children and was willing to pay significant sums of money to do it."
Ongoing Investigations
Danielle Pownall, a senior investigating officer at the NCA, described the chat logs recovered from Gratwick's devices as "some of the worst seen by specialist child abuse investigators at the NCA." She added, "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."
The NCA continues to work with international partners to identify others involved in these discussions, aiming to safeguard children from harm. The offences spanned from February 2023 to March 2025, highlighting the prolonged nature of Gratwick's criminal activities.
In mitigation, defence lawyer Kathryn Wilson described Gratwick as "somewhat of a Walter Mitty character," suggesting some might view his actions as involving "fantasy." She also noted that he had previously been "very useful to investigating authorities." Gratwick had previously pleaded guilty to possession and supply of a Class B drug and was found not guilty of one count of arranging or facilitating a child sex offence.
As he left the dock at the end of the hearing, Gratwick, wearing a blue puffer jacket and glasses, raised his eyebrows at several members of the public, a gesture that underscored the lack of contrition noted by the court.
