Man sentenced for serious sexual offences
A man has been jailed for 12 years following one of the first convictions of its kind in Scotland.
Gary Campbell was sentenced after previously pleading guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh for serious online sexual offences over a two year period, between June 2012 and July 2014.
Campbell, from the Sutherland area, was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
He was arrested following an investigation by detectives from Police Scotland's Specialist Crime Division’s Public Protection in one of the first cases of an individual in Scotland directing child abuse abroad.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael Smith, of Specialist Crime Division Public Protection, said: “Gary Campbell is a dangerous predator who took advantage of some of the most vulnerable people in the Philippines over a number of years.
“The extent and nature of his offending is utterly appalling.
“He will now face the consequences of his despicable actions in prison.
"Protecting children online and offline is an absolute priority for Police Scotland and we are committed to building safer virtual communities for everyone. We want to help keep people safe online.
"We treat all reports of sexual crimes seriously and sensitively and I would encourage any victims of sexual crimes to come forward and report the circumstances, in confidence, to Police, knowing we will investigate thoroughly.
"Anyone who wants to report a crime can contact Police Scotland by calling 101."
