A high-ranking Whitehall civil servant, entrusted with a sensitive government role, has been exposed as a predatory paedophile following a sophisticated police undercover operation.
Ben Gaukroger, 32, believed he was conversing with a like-minded individual on social media, detailing his vile sexual interest in children as young as five. Unbeknownst to him, he was actually communicating with an undercover police officer.
The Depraved Conversations
Over a series of messages, Gaukroger's disturbing fantasies unfolded. He expressed a desire to abuse a friend's young daughter and spoke graphically about incestuous acts. The court heard how he brazenly requested indecent images of children.
"He asked the profile if they had any 'young stuff'," the prosecutor stated, revealing the chilling nature of the exchanges that left the undercover officer feeling "sick to the stomach."
The Sting and Arrest
The online investigation culminated in a real-world meeting arranged by police. On December 14 last year, officers swooped as Gaukroger arrived at the pre-arranged location, leading to his immediate arrest.
A subsequent search of his phone uncovered the damning evidence of his conversations, alongside a small amount of cocaine.
Fall from Grace
Gaukroger, who held a senior position as a policy and governance manager, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and possession of a Class A drug.
Defence lawyers described a man whose life had "spectacularly unravelled," losing his career, reputation, and relationship. Despite his guilty plea and expressions of remorse, the judge emphasised the severity of his intended crimes.
Justice Served
At Southampton Crown Court, Recorder Nicholas Atkinson KC sentenced Gaukroger to two years in prison. He will also be subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the Sex Offenders Register for the same period.
This case serves as a stark warning that law enforcement is actively patrolling online spaces to protect the most vulnerable in society from such predatory behaviour.
