Police have welcomed the sentencing of a Fife man convicted of offences relating to indecent images and videos of children and extreme images.
Karl King, 52, from Kirkcaldy, appeared at the town’s sheriff court on Thursday, where he was sentenced to 40 months in prison and added to the Sex Offenders Register.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Banks, from Police Scotland’s National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “King’s online behaviour was deplorable with no thought of the young victims depicted in the images and videos he was viewing.
“King blatantly ignored any previous punishment imposed on him for offences by sharing graphic images of child abuse with other persons, and in doing so showed no remorse for his actions.
“King believed the internet would provide him anonymity, however every action leaves a trace, and as a consequence of our investigation he will now face the consequences of his actions.
“Child protection is a priority for Police Scotland and we will use the latest technologies and tactics to identify offenders, prevent offending and to protect children from sexual exploitation.”
He added: “The scale of child abuse and sexual exploitation offending online has grown in recent years, with the risk escalating throughout the coronavirus pandemic as people choose to stay indoors.
“We remain committed to bringing those who commit these kind of offences to justice, and protecting young people at risk.
“If you or anyone you know has been a victim of abuse, and you wish to report it, you should feel confident in contacting Police Scotland. We will listen and we will take action.”