The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Jail for youth who targeted girls
Crime: 19-year-old attacked multiple victims in child sexual exploitation ‘in rawest form’
A Highland teenager has been detained for three years and placed under supervision for another two after being found guilty of preying on young girls.
Police said that there were “multiple victims” of William Ringland, from near Fort William.
They described his behaviour as a “prime example” of child sexual exploitation in its “rawest form”.
The 19- year- old had faced several charges, including serious sexual offences committed in 2015, and was found guilty at Glas gow High Court on August 2.
He was sentenced at Edinburgh High Court this week to three years’ detention, to run from July 9 last year, and two years extension under supervision.
Police andl ocal authority social work staff said they launched an investigation following a reported serious assault of a 16-yearold, and found other victims.
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.
“As part of Police Scotland’s commitment to keeping people safe, I’d urge anyone with concerns about a child or young person’s safety to contact police, social work or the NSPCC.”
Detective Chief Inspector Vincent McLaughlin, chairman of the Highland Child Protection Committee, said: “This was a protracted joint investigation carried out by social workers of Highland Council and detectives from the Public Protection Unit in Highland and Islands Division.
“The sentencing sends a clear message to those individuals who pose the greatest risk of harm: you will be actively targeted and those who seek to sexually exploit children or young persons can expect a robust response from all child protection agencies in our local child protection committees.
“Specially trained police officers work alongside partner agencies every day
“Ringland approached vulnerable young girls and took advantage”
throughout the Highlands and islands and are committed to ensuring that all incidents of sexual exploitation involving children or young persons are professionally and thoroughly investigated.
“We are acutely aware of the potential impact these types of crimes have on victims and will ensure, by the use of specially trained officers, that they receive a tailored, sensitive approach on every occasion.”