Glasgow software engineer receives extended sentence for depraved grooming campaign
A predatory sex offender from Glasgow who systematically groomed vulnerable schoolboys through social media platform Snapchat has been handed a substantial prison sentence at the High Court. Ross Brogan, a 31-year-old software engineer, exploited his victims' interests in gaming by offering Xbox and PlayStation codes as payment for sexual acts, in what prosecutors described as a calculated campaign of manipulation.
Systematic exploitation of young victims
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service detailed how Brogan befriended four teenagers, all under the age of 16, through Snapchat before rapidly escalating his demands. Prosecutors revealed that he bombarded the boys with indecent communications and obscene videos, then offered gaming console codes as incentive for reciprocal explicit material. This disturbing exchange formed the foundation of what sentencing judge Bruce Erroch KC termed "a more calculated course of deceit and manipulation."
Elaborate scheme involving sex toys and threats
Brogan's offending reached alarming levels of premeditation, with evidence showing he left sex toys at predetermined drop-off locations. He instructed his young victims to use these items in indecent photographs and footage that were to be sent directly to him. The court heard how the predator also resorted to threats against one boy and his family when compliance with his demands was not forthcoming, demonstrating the coercive nature of his actions.
Assumed identity and ultimate violation
Particularly disturbing was Brogan's use of an assumed social media identity to contact a boy he personally knew. Judge Erroch revealed that the concerned victim confided in Brogan about receiving sexually explicit requests, completely unaware that the predator himself was behind these communications. This deception culminated in Brogan committing oral rape against the boy, representing the most severe violation in a series of sexual offences.
Extended sentence and lifetime restrictions
Despite Brogan's lack of previous criminal record and expression of remorse, the court imposed an extended sentence reflecting the gravity of his crimes. He received ten and a half years imprisonment with an additional three years on licence upon release. Judge Erroch emphasised that Brogan's actions were "clearly planned" and "calculated," noting the significant harm inflicted upon his young victims. The offender was also banned from contacting his victims indefinitely and placed on the sex offenders' register permanently.
Official condemnation of predatory behaviour
Procurator Fiscal Faye Cook branded Brogan's conduct as "predatory and despicable," highlighting how he specifically targeted young boys for his own depraved gratification. Detective Inspector Stephen Palmer echoed this sentiment, describing Brogan as "a depraved sexual offender who gave no thought to his victims." Police Scotland acknowledged the courage of those who provided information leading to Brogan's conviction, hoping the substantial sentence would bring some measure of comfort to the deeply affected victims and their families.
