Helensburgh man jailed for online child sexual abuse crimes

A Helensburgh man has been sentenced to imprisonment for actions described by police as 'reprehensible' involving online child sexual abuse and exploitation. Christopher Craven, aged 40, earlier pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including communicating in a sexual manner with children through online platforms, during a hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court in April. He appeared before the same court on September 10 for sentencing and received a sentence of two years and four months in prison, following a Police Scotland intelligence-led investigation into his crimes. Detective Inspector David Nairn, leading the child abuse investigations for Police Scotland, commented that Craven's online conduct was utterly unacceptable and showed no regard for the victims. Nairn stated, 'He believed that by committing these crimes online he would remain untraceable,' but assured that police efforts proved otherwise, leading to his sentencing. The authorities emphasized their commitment to protecting children and ensuring perpetrators face justice, urging the public to report concerns about child protection or sexual crimes by calling 101.