A convicted paedophile who was locked up for a string of historic sex crimes against two young girls under the age of seven has launched a bid to challenge his ‘too long’ sentence.

David Sands of Swanlow Lane, Winsford, was locked up for 14 years at Liverpool Crown Court in January after being found guilty of 19 offences including indecent assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The 59-year-old lived in St Helens when he committed the catalogue of crimes.

Challenge launched

One of his victims was just four years old when Sands first molested her, and the other was six. Both girls, who are now adults, were left traumatised and continue to suffer flashbacks as a result of the abuse they suffered at his hands.

Today (Friday, May 6) Sands launched a bid to challenge his jail term at London’s Criminal Appeal Court, with his lawyers arguing the 14-year term was ‘excessive’. His appeal was heard by Lord Justice Treacy, sitting with Mr Justice Dove and Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC who will give their decision on the appeal at a later date.