A man who used social media to groom girls as young as 11 for nearly a decade has been jailed.

Alexander Hope was convicted of a total of ten sexual offences at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old was given a five-year prison sentence with a further two years on licence upon his release, and was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Police welcomed the sentenced and praised the "courage and strength" of the victims who came forward to report him.

The court heard Hope's crimes spanned eight years from 2009 to 2017, and involved a series of girls aged 11 to 15.

He interacted with the girls on social media and committed a series of offences, many involving receiving images.

Hope pleaded guilty to the ten offences on March 12 and appeared on Wednesday for sentencing.

Detective inspector Scott Davidson, from the public protection unit in Fife, said: "First and foremost I wish to praise the victim's of Alexander Hope, who either came forward to make the initial reports, or who assisted with our investigation by providing vital evidence.

"Their courage and strength during these inquiries has proved pivotal in securing a conviction against Hope, which ultimately led to this prison sentence.

"If you wish to report a sexual crime of any sort, you can do so by contacting us on 101 or making an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."