Rapist's appeal bid fails

RAPIST'S APPEAL BID FAILS

A PERVERT who plied a 15-year-old girl with brandy before he raped her has failed in an Appeal Court bid to have his nine-year jail term cut.

Gordon Harris, 39, of Gresgow Road, Widnes, was jailed at Wolverhampton Crown Court in March after he pleaded guilty to one count of rape on the 15-year-old and one of indecent assault on another eight-year-old girl.

Lord Justice Hooper, sitting with Mr Justice Calvert-Smith and Sir Charles Mantell at London's Appeal Court, today refused to cut Harris' jail term - dismissing arguments it was "manifestly excessive".

The judge said Harris had arranged to meet the 15-year-old and had then "plied her with brandy until she was drunk" before raping her in the back of his van.

The indecent assault of the eight-year-old came to light after the rape had been reported to police.

Lawyers for Harris today argued the nine-year sentence was too long and claimed he had not been given enough credit for his guilty plea.

However, dismissing the appeal, the judge said Harris had not admitted the crimes until the day of trial - meaning the young victims had not been spared the anguished months of waiting to testify against him.

He concluded: "Here we have the rape of a very young person who had been plied with drink to reduce her resistance.

There is also the indecent assault of an eight-year-old to bear in mind.

We are unable to say the sentence of nine years was manifestly excessive.

This appeal is dismissed."