Paedophile Term Increased In 'Predatory' Case

A man whose conviction over serious sexual offences prompted outrage has had his sentence increased.

Neil Wilson, 41, was handed an eight-month suspended sentence last week in a case which saw his 13-year-old victim described in court as "predatory".

Appearing via video link at Snaresbrook Crown Court in east London, Wilson was handed a 12-month suspended sentence - an increase of four months.

The judge amended the sentence due to a sentencing technicality rather than the reaction to the language used in court last week.

Wilson's original sentence for sexual activity with a child remained unchanged. Further counts over indecent photographs prompted the increased punishment.

Last Monday prosecution barrister Robert Colover, referring to the 13-year-old in court, said: "The girl is predatory in all her actions and she is sexually experienced."

Passing his original sentence, Judge Nigel Peters then said he had taken into account that the girl looked and behaved "a little bit older" than she was.

"The girl was predatory and was egging you on. That is no defence when dealing with children but I am prepared to impose a suspension," he said.

Judge Peters is now being investigated by the Office for Judicial Complaints over his remarks, while Robert Colover has been suspended from prosecuting sexual offence cases.

The Crown Prosecution Service said last week: "The language used by prosecution counsel was inappropriate. The transgressor in this case was the defendant and he bears responsibility for his criminal acts."

Judge Peters, amending the sentence, again warned Wilson that if he re-offends in the next two years then the sentence will be "activated and added to".

Wilson was also ordered to take part in a 100-day sex offender treatment programme.

The Attorney General's office is also reviewing the sentence to establish whether it was "unduly lenient".