Ross Brogan, 31, from Glasgow, bombarded four teenage victims with indecent communications and obscene videos then offered payment if they would reciprocate.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that the software engineer befriended the boys – all aged under 16 – via Snapchat and quickly tried to exploit their ‘friendships’ for his own gratification.

Prosecutors told how he demanded intimate images and videos of the victims in return for Xbox or PlayStation codes which allow users to make purchases via their games console.

He also left sex toys at a pre-arranged drop off point, instructing that they be used in indecent photos and footage which should be sent to him. 

He threatened to hurt the family of one boy if he didn’t obey. Brogan pled guilty to six sexual offences charges, all involving schoolboys, at a hearing last month.

Returning to court for sentencing yesterday, he was jailed for 10 years and six months, with a further three-year sentence extension during which time he will be subject to close monitoring and supervision.

His name was added to the sex offenders register indefinitely. 

Procurator fiscal Faye Cook said: “Ross Brogan’s behaviour was predatory and despicable. He targeted young boys and exploited them for his own depraved ends.

“Our thoughts are with the children and their loved ones as they attempt to move on with their lives.”