Redbridge paedophiles posed as trainspotters to lure boys to their home

Andrew Mower, 67, and Darren Smith, 39, sexually abused four boys aged between 13 and 15 over five years at the home they shared in Tryfan Close, Redbridge.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard Mower would scour the internet for youngsters interested in trains and would invite them to the house where they were repeatedly raped.

Mower was convicted of 10 counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, an attempted rape and three rapes.

The counts relate to four boys aged between 13 and 16 years old.

He was also found guilty of one count of possessing indecent photographs of children.

Smith was found guilty of 13 counts of causing a child to engage in a sexual activity, 12 counts of rape, two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child, four counts of being in possession of indecent images of a child and one count of attempted rape.

Prosecutor Tara McCarthy told the court Mower would target young vulnerable boys on specialist rail forums before encouraging them to meet in person at train conventions or transport museums.

At the meeting Mower would begin asking questions about sex and invite them back home where Smith would be waiting.

The boys would be given mobile phones so that they could stay in contact.

The victims were plied with gifts, money and alcohol before being persuaded to take part in sexual activity with the men.

It was only when the boys came into contact with one another, both in person and on the computer rail forums, they realised the scale of the abuse and went to the police.

Both men showed no emotion as they were convicted. They will be sentenced on July 6.