A MAN convicted of sexually assaulting a child has had his prison term increased today after South Swindon MP Robert Buckland referred his sentence to the Court of Appeal as unduly lenient.

Acting in his capacity as solicitor general, Mr Buckland hailed the court’s decision to extend Mohammed Waqar’s sentence to four years in prison.

Waqar, 33, sexually assaulted a child under the age of 13 on a number of occasions over a sustained 10 month period. He also forced the victim to watch a sexual act after showing her pornography on his phone.

He showed no remorse for his actions during the trial, insisting that he was innocent.

He was sentenced in December to two years in prison at Bradford Crown Court. He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Buckland said: “Sexual abuse is one of the most psychologically damaging things that can happen to a child. Mohammed Waqar is guilty of repeatedly and consistently abusing the victim. I’m pleased the Court of Appeal has agreed to extend his sentence.”

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