Image caption A jury at Swansea Crown Court found the man guilty of rape after a three-week trial

A man who fathered at least six children with one of his daughters has been found guilty of rape.

The defendant, from south west Wales, who cannot be named, was also found guilty of repeatedly raping one of the girls she gave birth to, and another of his daughters.

He denied a total of 36 counts of rape, and one count of assault by penetration.

The man will be sentenced on 18 October at Swansea Crown Court.

During the trial, the court was told the defendant "groomed" his two daughters, and a daughter subsequently born as a result, into having sex with him by acting as a "psychic" who sent them emails telling them what to do.

He "created a false world touched by witchcraft and mysticism", the court heard.

'Harrowing case'

The man also organised the rape of one daughter by his friend, as he watched.

DNA tests showed he had fathered at least six of his own daughters' children, one of whom he went on to abuse, Swansea Crown Court heard.

He claimed it was the girls who were blackmailing him and the sex was consensual because he did not know they were his own children.

The jury took four hours and 23 minutes to find him guilty on all counts.

He showed no emotion as the the unanimous verdicts were delivered.

Judge Paul Thomas QC told the court it was a harrowing case.

"I've been involved in criminal cases as a barrister and as a judge for 40 years.

"This is in the top three worst cases I've ever dealt with.

"I can only thank you for your public duty," he said, before telling jurors counselling was available should they need it.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has described the abuse as "sickening".

Hayley Fackrell said after the hearing: "These sickening acts of abuse were carried out by a person that was supposed to protect and care for the victims, but instead he systematically controlled their lives, grooming them for his sexual gratification."

Det Ch Insp Paul Jones of Dyfed-Powys Police said it was "very difficult to summarise the impact of the crimes".

He added: "I wish to thank the victims in this case for their courage in coming forward.

"Their bravery and composure throughout this difficult trial has led to the conviction of a very dangerous offender, and I hope from today they can begin to move on and rebuild their lives."