A MAN jailed for sexually abusing two schoolgirls in the 1970s had his 19 year sentence reduced by senior judges yesterday.

John Robert Simpson – who told the arresting officers: “I’ve been waiting for this moment for 40 years” – initially admitted

eight counts of indecent assault, but continued denying two similar charges and a more serious attempted rape allegation.

However, with a trial looming and both victims, now in their 50s, prepared to give evidence, the 62-year-old pleaded guilty to the remaining counts and was jailed last November at Durham Crown Court.

It heard Simpson, who had lived in a County Durham village, could have been brought to justice much earlier.

When he was reported to “the authorities” in 1993, his accusers were told the historic case would be hard to prove and no further action was taken.

At the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Paul Abrahams said: “I can only apologise for that from the presiding authorities’ side.”

Simpson, most recently of Wesley Grove, Bishop Auckland, challenged his 19 year sentence at London’s Court of Appeal yesterday.

Mr Justice Kerr, sitting with Lord Justice Treacy and Mr Justice Jeremy Baker, agreed to cut the term to 15 years.

The judge said one schoolgirl victim was abused by Simpson, then in his 20s, while he was out walking his dog.

Described as having a “volatile temper”, he tried to rape the same girl in an attack that “came as close to full rape as possible”, he added.

Judge Christopher Prince, who sentenced Simpson last year said his victims were “robbed of the joy of childhood” and both had been “profoundly affected”.

He accused Simpson had tried to receive a lesser sentence, hoping his original pleas would be accepted.

However, Mr Justice Kerr, concluded 19 years was excessive despite the gravity of the crimes.

“We think an overall term of 15 years is appropriate,” he told the court, allowing the appeal. Simpson is subject to notification as a sex offender on release and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, both for life.