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Abuse network ringleaders jailed Abuse network ringleaders jailed
(10 minutes later)
The two men at the centre of Scotland's largest known child abuse network have been jailed for life.The two men at the centre of Scotland's largest known child abuse network have been jailed for life.
Neil Strachan, 41, attempted to rape an 18-month-old boy while 38-year-old James Rennie sexually assaulted a three-month-old.Neil Strachan, 41, attempted to rape an 18-month-old boy while 38-year-old James Rennie sexually assaulted a three-month-old.
Strachan was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in prison, while Rennie was ordered to serve at least 13 years.Strachan was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in prison, while Rennie was ordered to serve at least 13 years.
Six other men had already been sentenced for their involvement in the network.Six other men had already been sentenced for their involvement in the network.
Strachan and Rennie, both from Edinburgh, were also found guilty during a 10-week trial which ended in May of conspiring to get access to children in order to abuse them. Strachan and Rennie, both from Edinburgh, were also found guilty during a 10-week trial which ended in May of conspiring to get access to children in order to abuse them, while Strachan convicted of a further charge of sexually assaulting a six-year-old boy.
More suspects It is clear from the evidence in this case that the accused saw no limits on how far they would share, exploit and abuse children Morag McLaughlinProcurator fiscal
Strachan, who is HIV positive, has already served a three-year prison sentence in 1997 for abusing a boy. Rennie was the chief executive of advice centre LGBT Youth Scotland. Strachan, who is HIV positive, has already served a three-year prison sentence in 1997 for abusing a boy. Rennie was the chief executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, which offered advice to young gay and lesbian people.
Co-accused Colin Slaven, 23, from Edinburgh; Neil Campbell, 46, John Milligan, 40, and John Murphy, 44, all from Glasgow; Ross Webber, 27, from North Berwick in East Lothian; and Craig Boath, 24, from Dundee, were also convicted of various offences during the trial.Co-accused Colin Slaven, 23, from Edinburgh; Neil Campbell, 46, John Milligan, 40, and John Murphy, 44, all from Glasgow; Ross Webber, 27, from North Berwick in East Lothian; and Craig Boath, 24, from Dundee, were also convicted of various offences during the trial.
They were given prison sentences of between two and 17 years.They were given prison sentences of between two and 17 years.
The men had been arrested during the Operation Algebra police investigation, which uncovered nearly 125,000 indecent images of children.The men had been arrested during the Operation Algebra police investigation, which uncovered nearly 125,000 indecent images of children.
Operation Algebra also uncovered dozens more suspects around the country and worldwide, many of whom have already been charged.Operation Algebra also uncovered dozens more suspects around the country and worldwide, many of whom have already been charged.
The investigation was sparked by a single indecent image of a naked 11-year-old which was found on paint company engineer Strachan's computer when it was sent for repair.
Detectives discovered that Strachan and Rennie had filmed themselves sexually abusing children before distributing the images over the internet.
The two paedophiles had been trusted by the children's parents to look after the children. They betrayed that trust by subjecting the youngsters to vile abuse.
Advances in technology
Lothian and Borders Police said their inquiry has led to more than 200 suspected paedophiles being identified internationally, and at least 70 in the UK.
Detectives have said there are further suspects in Scotland as well as Avon and Somerset; Devon and Cornwall; Merseyside; South Wales; West Midlands; Sussex; Essex; London; Thames Valley; and Hampshire.
Speaking after the sentencing, Morag McLaughlin, procurator fiscal for Lothian and Borders, said recent advances in technology were making it easier for the police to bring child abusers to justice.
She added: "It is clear from the evidence in this case that the accused saw no limits on how far they would share, exploit and abuse children in order to satisfy their own horrific sexual gratification.
"However, our specialist prosecutors will use the constantly improving technology available to the police to stop and bring to court those who think they are hidden by the anonymity of the internet.
"The conspiracy charge in this case showed the extent of the accused's common intent, and ensured that they could be punished not only for what they did, but what they planned to do."