A Scots "predator" has been caged after admitting to "communicating indecently" with a child.
Online offender Iain Hunter pled guilty to indecently communicating with a child at the High Court in Edinburgh today (Wednesday, May 26).
The 31-year-old sentenced to an Order of Lifelong restriction, as well as 20 months behind bars for his "despicable actions".
Police branded Hunter a "dangerous and predatory individual" in the wake of his conviction.
Detective Inspector Mike Smith, of Edinburgh's Public Protection Unit, said: "Iain Hunter is a dangerous and predatory individual and we welcome his conviction and sentencing for his despicable actions."
“Online offenders may think they are anonymous, and they may not comprehend the terrible, devastating and lifelong impact their actions have on children. But there is no excuse for their actions.
The force has urged potential abusers to use a confidential support service for offenders and those concerned about their thoughts in relation to the sexual exploitation of children.
The detective continued: “Police Scotland’s current #GetHelpOrGetCaught campaign proactively targets those who are either already offending or at risk of offending online, and provides signposts to available support.
"Police Scotland is committed to the protection of children and to bringing all perpetrators 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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