A Cambridgeshire child abuser has had his sentence increased after it was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP.
The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, repeatedly abused a young child and attempted to cover up his actions in multiple ways, including forcing her to delete text messages he sent to her indicating intended sexual activity.
On 21 October 2021, the offender was sentenced to 11 years and four months' imprisonment, followed by 12 months on licence at Cambridge Crown Court.
Following the sentencing, the Solicitor General referred the offender's sentence to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.
On 14 January the Court of Appeal found his original sentence to be unduly lenient and increased it to 14 years' imprisonment with a 12 month extended licence.
Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General, Alex Chalk QC MP said:
"This crime was sickening in every sense of the word. His actions have caused lasting severe psychological and physical harm to the victim. I hope the Court's decision to increase his sentence can bring his victim some comfort."
