Grooming criminal processes *potentially triggering*

[FuckminsterBullerene]

Could someone please explain the criminal processes involved in Scotland when dealing with online grooming?

It's come to light that someone we know has been caught in a vigilante paedophile sting. The police were called but we don't know what happened after that. There is a video on Facebook but no press reports. We've had no contact with him and he has deleted all social media accounts so we have no idea what's happened. How long would prosecution take? Will he have to sign the sex offenders register?

Sorry if I'm being clumsy with this, it's all been very unsettling.

No one can answer this with out knowing his crime in detail

Sorry yes. All I know is from the video, in which they mention talking to four underage girls (decoys). He spoke about masturbation to one of them and arranged to meet her, which is when the sting occurred. He believed she was 15.

Anyone?

It depends on the police, evidence, CPS and the offender.
If the police seize property like a laptops or pc factor in at least six month wait while it's in forensics.

How long is string basically.

Thanks @TheQueef I had no idea it could take that long.

It really does depend on the police's approach.
If they are happy it's 'only' grooming they still have to inspect his devices etc.
The forensic examination of tech has a big backlog UK wide.
Quicker if he admits any offences and offers up incriminating stuff.