An Argyll paedophile, Benjamin Young, whose offences were characterised by a court as descending into “the very abyss of depravity,” has received a life sentence.
Benjamin Young sexually assaulted ten children, the youngest being two years old, and recorded and disseminated footage of the assaults.
Benjamin Young sexually assaulted one victim multiple times between January 2021 and December 2022.
Benjamin Young, 43, admitted admission to 32 charges at the High Court in Edinburgh and received a minimum sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment.
Judge Lord Arthurson additionally placed a Lifelong Restriction Order on Benjamin Young.
His release is contingent upon the parole board’s determination that his incarceration is no longer essential for public safety.
The judge stated that Young’s offences were of the “utmost gravity” and that he had perpetrated abuse on the most vulnerable members of society.
Lord Arthurson stated, “In my opinion, this is one of the most egregious cases of its nature to be presented before the high court.”
“Your transgressions have reached the depths of depravity.”
The court had heard that all of Benjamin Young’s child victims were aged under 13 at the time.
A further victim was an adult female.
Nearly all of the attacks took place in the Argyll and Bute area.
Cybercrime experts discovered Benjamin Young was active on the dark web where he created and moderated online private chat rooms to swap child pornography.
When police raided his home, almost 20,000 indecent images and videos were found.
Advocate depute Kath Harper, prosecuting, told the court: “The accused’s offending encompasses – but is not limited to – voyeurism, sexual assault and rape involving young children.
“It also includes the creation and distribution of indecent videos and images of children, including videos of the accused raping and sexually abusing children.”
The judge made non-harassment orders banning Young from contacting or attempting to contact his victims.
Benjamin Young was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Following sentencing, Det Insp Adrian Ure of Police Scotland’s National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “The nature and significant extent of Benjamin Young’s sexual offending was truly appalling.
“Benjamin 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.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.