GRAHAM RYCRAFT FROM STRATFORD SENTENCED FOR CHILD GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENSES

In a significant case brought to light by the Metropolitan Police, Graham Rycraft, a 50-year-old man from Stratford, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of serious offenses related to child grooming and sexual exploitation. The incident unfolded in September 2018, when Rycraft engaged in online communications under the false identity of a teenage boy, with the apparent intent to manipulate and exploit minors.

Rycraft, who resided on Honour Lea Avenue in Stratford, initiated contact with what he believed was a young girl under the age of 16. Unbeknownst to him, the individual he was communicating with was actually an officer from the Metropolitan Police Service operating under an online persona designed to catch predators. During these exchanges, Rycraft initially claimed to be a 15-year-old boy. Despite this, he proceeded to send Category A images depicting child abuse, a clear indication of his intent to groom and exploit.

As the online interactions continued, Rycraft eventually admitted to being an adult but persisted in grooming the supposed child. His actions escalated as he attempted to arrange a physical meeting, demonstrating a clear intent to engage in sexual activity. To protect his identity, Rycraft was extremely cautious, taking measures to conceal his whereabouts and personal details. His efforts to keep his identity hidden included using an unregistered mobile phone, which he claimed no knowledge of when questioned by authorities.

The police arrested Rycraft on September 5, 2018, in a phone booth after he had just confirmed the meeting location with the 'child.' During the search, officers discovered the unregistered mobile phone, along with a bag containing condoms and Viagra at his workplace, further evidence of his intentions and preparations. The following day, Rycraft was formally charged and remanded in custody.

Following a trial that concluded on May 24, 2019, Rycraft was found guilty of multiple charges, including attempting to meet a child under 16 for sexual purposes, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor, attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act, and the distribution and creation of indecent images of children. His sentencing took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 20, 2019, where he received a prison term of six years, with an additional four years on licence. The judge classified Rycraft as a dangerous offender and a significant risk to children, imposing an extended licence period of four years to monitor his conduct post-release.