A HELENSBURGH man has been jailed for what police have branded as 'reprehensible' online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
Christopher Craven previously pleaded guilty to a number of offences, including communicating in a sexualised manner with children online, at Paisley Sheriff Court in April this year.
The 40-year-old returned to the dock at the same court for sentencing on Tuesday, September 10.
He was sentenced to two years and four months in prison following a Police Scotland intelligence-led operation into the crimes.
Detective Inspector David Nairn, operational lead for Police Scotland’s national child abuse investigation unit, said: "Craven’s online behaviour was reprehensible with no regard to any of the young victims subjected to these offences.
“He believed that by committing these crimes online he would remain untraceable.
"This was not the case, and as a result of our enquiries he will have to face the consequences for his actions.
"Police Scotland is committed to the protection of children and to bringing those responsible of sexual abuse to justice.
"We would urge anyone who wishes to report any child protection concerns or sexual crime to contact us on 101 so we can conduct a thorough investigation."
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