Six men were each jailed for between two and 17 years in Scotland�s worst child abuse trial after police smashed a �sickening� cyber paedophile ring.

Six men were each jailed for between two and 17 years in Scotland's worst child abuse trial after police smashed a "sickening" cyber paedophile ring.

Police said jail could not compensate the victims after the court heard children had been abused "often in the most appalling ways".

The men were part of what is believed to be Scotland's biggest child pornography and abuse network.

Ross Webber, 27, of North Berwick, Craig Boath, 24, from Dundee, Colin Slaven, 24, from Edinburgh, and John Milligan, 40, Neil Campbell, 46, and John Murphy, 44, all from Glasgow, were sentenced by judge Lord Bannatyne at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Two other members of the gang, sex offender Neil Strachan, 41, and gay youth worker James Rennie, 38, will be sentenced at a later date for more serious charges - including the abuse of a three-month-old baby.

The father of an abused child yesterday welcomed the sentences. He said he was particularly satisfied with the sentences given to the two gang members who took a "specific paedophilic interest" in his son.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said: "Mr Milligan took a great deal of interest in the images of my son and also described in long graphic details in chatlogs what he would like to do to my son if he was able to gain access to him.

"Mr Boath also took a great deal of interest in my son.

"I think it's horrific to consider what those men would have done had they been able to get access to my son.

"I am really quite satisfied with the sentences that were given out."

Glasgow MSP and LibDem justice spokesman Robert Brown said: "The sickening activities of these people - and the sufferings of their victims - have thankfully been put to an end by long jail sentences. It is difficult to imagine how anyone could put children through such torment."

Tory justice spokesman Bill Aitken said: "People who peddle in this sort of filth must realise that they will be caught and that appropriate and lengthy sentences will follow."

A spokesman for Victim Support Scotland added: "It is fair to say that there are many instances where the public will have an alternative view on what a sentence might have been, but we always recognise that the people in the best position to judge are the people in the courts."

Tom Roberts, of the charity Children 1st, said last night: "The judge in this case has said he hopes that these sentences will act as a deterrent - we sincerely hope that proves to be true.

"Our greatest concern is that the children and families receive the long-term support they will need to rebuild their lives." All eight men, traced through internet chats, were found guilty last month after a 10-week trial. Nearly 125,000 indecent images were seized during the Operation Algebra, which uncovered the group.

Webber, Boath and Milligan were also found guilty of conspiring to participate in the sexual abuse of children, as were Strachan and Rennie.

Civil servant and "major player" Milligan received the longest sentence, amounting to 17 years behind bars.

The judge said the amount of material was very significant, amounting to 78,289 indecent images, much being graded at the top two levels of severity.

Insurance worker Boath was jailed for nine years and nine months, while bank teller Webber was locked up for eight years and nine months.

All three were convicted of plotting to participate in the sexual abuse of youngsters, in addition to child porn charges.

IT worker Slaven was jailed for three years - a year of which was for contempt of court after he turned up drunk at court.

Cake firm manager Campbell was ordered to spend three years and four months behind bars and Murphy, a receptionist in a sauna, was jailed for two years.

Lord Bannatyne said the offences were "of the most serious nature". He added: "These are not victimless crimes."

The gang members, who led classic double lives, were snared after indecent images were found on computer equipment used by Strachan during his work for a paint firm.

The men were all convicted of possessing and making indecent images, and distributing images, except Slaven after that charge was withdrawn.

The offences were committed in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and East Lothian during various periods ranging from February 2004 to May 2008.

Five men - Strachan, Rennie, Webber, Boath and Milligan - were found guilty of conspiring to get access to a child or children to commit abuse.

From locations across Scotland, they plotted to participate in sexual offences, including rape and sodomy. Campbell was also accused of conspiracy, but he was cleared on that charge after the jury found the case against him not proven.

Afterwards detective inspector Stuart Hood said: "No jail sentence, however lengthy, can begin to compensate the victims in these photographs and videos, some of whom we may never know; our thoughts today are with them first and foremost."

Lord Bannatyne imposed extended sentences on five of the men, omitting Murphy, involving a period after their release from prison in which they will remain on licence.

If they fail to comply with the conditions of the licence, they could be sent back behind bars.