Man who raped teen will now serve longer sentence after Solicitor General and South Swindon MP Robert Buckland refers sentence to appeal court

A 26-year-old man who was jailed for the rape of a 16-year-old girl will now serve longer in prison after Solicitor General, Robert Buckland referred his sentence to London's Appeal Court arguing that it should have been much tougher.

Lea Dean, of Weston Coyney, Stoke-on-Trent also admitted four counts of sexual activity with a child, involving a second teenager, aged 15, at Stoke-on-Trent Court on September 7.

He was convicted following an investigation by Staffordshire Police’s Child Exploitation Team.

Now three senior judges have agreed the sentence was ‘too soft’ ruling that Dean's sentence should be increased to eight years.

Lord Justice Holroyde told the court the attack left the defendant’s victim feeling 'hurt, disgusted, stupid, worthless and a whole lot more'.

In a victim impact statement, she said: "I know I have to live with this for the rest of my life and that scares me.”

Paul Jarvis acting on behalf of the Solicitor General said the rape victim was 'particularly vulnerable'.

The NSPCC welcomed the tougher sentence. A spokesman said: “Sexual abuse can have a devastating impact on victims that lasts through adulthood.

“It is therefore vital that the survivors in this case get all the necessary support as they attempt to move forward with their lives.

“We would urge anyone concerned about a child to speak out, as it could ensure they get the help they need.”