The executive wants to protect children using the internet

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson plans to introduce legislation to make internet grooming a specific offence.

The Sexual Offences Bill in England and Wales is being used as a guide for how best to deal with the problem.

The Scottish Executive said its legislative programme would complement laws south of the border.

Paedophiles convicted of internet grooming in England and Wales face up to 10 years in jail.

The Scottish legislation will complement that from the Home Office so that there's no discrepancy in sentencing north and south of the border Scottish Executive spokesman

An executive spokesman said: "The first minister wants the executive to legislate in this area and the justice minister is currently considering the best legislative vehicle for this.

"We consider this a priority and we are looking to introduce this at the earliest opportunity.

"The Scottish legislation will complement that from the Home Office so that there's no discrepancy in sentencing north and south of the border."

The Telecommunications Act makes it an offence to send material that is grossly offensive, obscene or menacing, including child pornography.

Target 'predators'

It is believed the new legislation in Scotland will make particular reference to internet grooming.

The Scottish Conservatives said it was the right decision, but hoped no children had suffered in the interim.

Tory deputy justice spokeswoman Margaret Mitchell said: "We welcome this move but wonder why it has taken such a long time to come about.

"We just hope that no children have been victimised in the meantime.