A Leven man has been jailed for 10 years after sexually abusing young children over a 33 year period.
Raymond Oldham was sentenced at Edinburgh High Court on Wednesday after admitting a host of charges including rape.
The 51-year-old targeted five boys and one girl who were aged between eight and 13-years-old in the Fife and East Lothian areas.
The pervert will be monitored by the authorities for an additional six years following his release from custody.
A police probe into Oldham was launched after officers discovered an incident image of a child on his mobile phone in 2016.
He was subsequently arrested and charged in July 2017.
At his sentencing, Lord Boyd of Duncansby said: “Raymond Oldham, you have been convicted on your own plea of a series of sexual offences against young children, in particular young boys.
“These offences span over 30 years and commenced when you were 15 years of age.
“It is clear from the report that you pose a significant risk to of sexual reoffending and in particular to young boys.
“You have an obvious and admitted sexual attraction to male children and teenagers.
“I have a duty to protect the public and that has to be reflected in the sentence that I impose.
“I am satisfied that any custodial sentence that I can impose is not sufficient for the protection of the public. Accordingly, I intend to impose an extended sentence.”
Detective Sergeant Graeme Dursley of Police Scotland’s Public Protection Unit said: “Oldham targeted vulnerable young people and abused a position of trust he held with them.
“He is a prolific offender who committed the most disgraceful crimes.
“It is thanks to the courage of the victims that Oldham will now face the consequences of his actions.
“We welcome the sentencing today and hope that the victims can take some comfort knowing Oldham will spend a considerable amount of time in prison.
“Police Scotland is wholly committed to tackling all cases of child abuse, regardless of when the crimes occurred, and will continue to work alongside partners at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in order to bring offenders to justice.”
If you have concerns or information about child abuse then these can be reported to Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
An NSPCC Scotland spokesperson said: “Abuse ruins childhoods and Oldham’s sickening actions will have devastated his victims’ lives into adulthood.
“This case shows again that it is never too late for survivors to come forward, seek justice and receive the help and support they need.
“NSPCC Scotland works in schools and in the community to prevent abuse and neglect and anyone worried about a child can contact our helpline to report concerns.”
Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free, 24/7, on 0808 800 5000. Children can call Childline at any time on 0800 1111.
