In a case that has stunned the Argyll community, 42-year-old Benjamin Young has been found guilty of committing appalling sexual offences against children. His plea of guilty was entered at the High Court in Glasgow, revealing the horrific extent of his crimes.
Young’s sentencing is scheduled for March 19, 2024, at the High Court in Edinburgh, where the gravity of his offences will determine the severity of his punishment.
Detective Inspector Adrian Ure of the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit at Police Scotland played a crucial role in the investigation. He described Young as a sexual predator who used manipulative tactics to exploit vulnerable children for his sexual desires. The investigation into Young’s activities was both extensive and complex, uncovering a disturbing pattern of severe sexual assaults and the production and distribution of illicit content.
Young’s actions extended beyond direct abuse; he was also involved in creating and sharing explicit materials on the dark web, contributing to the global demand for child sexual abuse material. This reprehensible activity perpetuates a harmful cycle affecting countless young lives.
Detective Inspector Ure emphasized the importance of victims coming forward. He assured potential victims that their voices would be heard, their claims taken seriously, and their needs for support fully addressed. This encouragement to speak out aims to bring justice and break the cycle of abuse, reassuring victims that they are not alone and that their experiences matter.
