“Calculated and thoroughly committed paedophile” may never be released from jail
Benjamin Young attacked 10 children over 2 years, and shared tens of thousands of indecent images and videos online
A man’s been sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh, for serious sexual abuse offences committed against children in the Argyll area.
Benjamin Young, 42, was jailed for 12 years in prison and has been given an Order of Lifelong Restriction (OLR). He was previously found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday 20th December, 2023.
Passing sentence in Edinburgh this morning - Judge Arthurson said Benjamin Young’s case was “one of the worst to come before the court”.
More than 19,000 images and 700 videos were found on his devices. In December, a court heard how Benjamin Young - from Argyll - had abused a total of 10 children, including some as young as 2 years old. He operated various online chat rooms, where entry was granted in exchange for indecent images.
Appearing via video link this morning - Young held his head in his hands as Judge Arthurson told him that only a lifelong restriction order was appropriate - describing him as a “calculating and thoroughly committed paedophile, whose offending had “plumbed the very abyss of depravity”.
It will be at least 12 years before Young is eligible for parole, though Judge Arthurson stressed it was possible he may never be released.
Detective Inspector Adrian Ure, National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, Police Scotland said: "The nature and significant extent of Benjamin Young’s sexual offending was truly appalling.
"The OLR is a true lifelong sentence designed to protect the public from risk of serious harm"
“Young is directly responsible for creating demand which contributes to the dreadful sexual abuse and suffering of the children in the images and videos he was creating and sharing.
"Detectives worked tirelessly during what was an extensive investigation, and as a direct result Young will now rightly face a custodial sentence and the consequences of his actions.
“The OLR is a unique sentence. It is made up of a minimum period of time of imprisonment called the punishment part – and a lifelong risk management. The OLR is a true lifelong sentence designed to protect the public from risk of serious harm.
"Any form of child sexual abuse is a serious criminal offence and is a priority for Police Scotland. We encourage anyone with concerns about a child at risk of abuse, or a potential victim, to contact Police Scotland immediately.”