SEX OFFENDER'S SENTENCE OVERTURNED IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
A MAN who was jailed indefinitely after admitting sex crimes involving schoolgirls has had his sentence overturned.Richard Ian Teeder, 29, admitted two counts of engaging in sexual activity in front of children, by masturbating in the presence of schoolgirls, but said he had done similar things on "countless occasions".
In June 2006, Teeder, formerly of Guiting Power, in the Cotswolds, also admitted 10 counts of making indecent photos of children, and was initially sentenced to indefinite detention at Gloucester Crown Court.
After an appeal by his lawyers, judges in London ruled on Wednesday (26) that he should never have received such a harsh sentence and released him.
Mr Justice Openshaw stated Teeder did not pose a significant risk of serious harm to the public, and he should have received a three-year sentence.
Given he has already served that time, he was allowed to go free immediately.
The judge added that Teeder had attended courses aimed at reducing re-offending and now had considerable insight into his problems.
Although he may present some risk of re-offense, the court was not convinced that he posed a significant danger of causing serious harm, and that his risk could be managed in the community.
Teeder was caught after targeting Gloucestershire schoolgirls twice in less than a week in 2005.
His home was searched, revealing 43 indecent photos of children that he had printed from his computer.
He originally denied the offences but eventually owned up after being bailed.
The original judge said he was dangerous and needed to be kept in indefinite detention until deemed safe by the Parole Board.
He is now to live under supervision in a Gloucester hostel.
