William Ringland, from Lochaber, was jailed for five years yesterday at Edinburgh High Court for charges including a number of serious sexual offences involving girls between the ages of 13 and 16.

Ringland first became known to officers following the reported rape of a 16-year-old girl in 2015 and after an investigation, the full extent of his crimes became clear.

He preyed on a number of young girls and sexually abused them before being found guilty in Glasgow High Court in August.

Detective Inspector Nicola Mackenzie of the Public Protection Unit said: “This is a prime example of Child Sexual Exploitation in its rawest form. Ringland approached vulnerable young girls and took advantage of them.

“Police Scotland actively target criminals who exploit our children to ensure they are brought to justice. There is no hiding place for criminals who target the children in our communities, committing sexual abuse including abuse committed and viewed via the internet.