A "master manipulator" convicted of historic child sexual offences committed in the UK and abroad has been jailed.

Four years ago the Metropolitan Police launched an investigation alongside authorities from the US, France and Israel after two men came forward stating they had been assaulted by the same suspect.

Jair Klein had given his victims gifts and taken them on days out, including to a swimming pool where he would watch them undress. Once alone, he would abuse them.

The 55-year-old, of Majestic Court, Margate, was found guilty at Harrow Crown Court on July 19 of three counts of sexual activity with a child aged 10 or 11, one count of sexual activity with a child aged 13 or 15 and one charge of sexuality with a child aged 14 or 15.

He was found not guilty of a further two counts of sexual activity with a child.

On Thursday (August 24) Klein was sentenced to 10 years in prison, extended on licence to 16 in recognition of the danger he poses.

The father of one of Klein's victims said: "This conviction could never have happened without the dedicated professionalism and determination of the Metropolitan Police and the CPS, who were there every step of the way to ensure justice, treating us with consideration and dignity. It has been a difficult journey, but well worth it, and we are delighted with the result."

In December 2019, officers from the Met were contacted by two men who informed them that they had been sexually abused – by the same suspect – in the United Kingdom, USA and France between 2010 and 2014.

The crimes had begun in Barnet but he followed both young men abroad.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Philip Maunders launched a highly complex investigation, and on September 27 2019, Klein was arrested.

He provided a prepared statement in which he denied the allegations, making no further comment.

The investigation gathered further evidence and Scotland Yard said the witness accounts provided harrowing account.

On June 11 2022, Klein was charged.

During the trial the court heard that Klein had a previous conviction from Israel in 2014 for a similar offence, for which he was jailed for three years.

Det Chf Insp Mark Rogers, said: “Klein abused the trust that had been placed in him by two young children.

“I would like to praise the bravery of these men in coming forward and telling officers about what happened. Having pleaded not guilty, Klein forced them to recount their experiences in court. But again, they found the strength to speak out – ultimately leading to this conviction.

“I would also like to thank the authorities in the USA, France and Israel for assisting us with our investigation regarding matters overseas.”

DC Maunders said: “Klein was a master manipulator who groomed two children and their families to make them believe he could be trusted with their care.

“I would like to thank the families for their courage and tenacity throughout the investigation and the whole court process."

He encouraged any victims of sexual abuse, whether in the past or recently, to contact police, or charities who can provide support.

"The Met remain determined to bring perpetrators before the courts,” he added.

Klein will also be the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for an indeterminate period.