A sick pervert who targeted children on social media has seen his prison sentence increased by appeal court judges.
Three appeal judges have concluded that a six-year, eight-month sentence handed to Mark Anthony Wilson was unduly lenient after Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson raised concerns.
Wilson, of Stokesley, North Yorkshire, targeted a number of young people to sate his depraved sexual needs over a two-year period.
Teesside Crown court had heard how he intimidated the youngsters to send sexually explicit images of themselves before sending one picture to a victim’s mother and threatening to post private pictures on social media.
The 35-year-old was jailed for a total of six years and eight months after he pleaded guilty to a number of sexual offences, including causing or inciting a child under 13 to carry out a sexual act.
Lord Justice Singh, Mr Justice Fraser and Mr Justice Henshaw increased the sentence to ten years and eight months at a Court of Appeal hearing in London today (Tuesday, September 13).
Wilson, who will turn 36 on Thursday, had been jailed by Judge Timothy Stead in June after admitting 27 offences, including making indecent photos, sending offensive messages, engaging in sexual communication with a child and causing or inciting sexual activity with a child.
Lawyers representing the Solicitor General, Mr Tomlinson, argued that the overall sentence had been unduly lenient.
While lawyers representing Wilson disagreed and said the appeal should dismissed.
“This was a difficult sentencing exercise,” said Lord Justice Singh. “However, we have reached the conclusion that the overall sentence in this case was unduly lenient.”
At sentencing, Judge Stead said some of the offences involved a nine-year-old girl sending sexually explicit images to the defendant; an eight-year-old girl sending pictures of her genitals; and a young boy sending an image of his genitals.
“Some of these horrific offences are as serious as can be imagined of offences of their kind,” he said.
Wilson also sent a vile, abusive message to a 16-year-old girl and threatened to post images online.
The judge added: “This complainant reported abusive communications to the police. It is apparent that the defendant sent abusive messages, including calling her a ‘dirty *** slag’ and a ‘black ***’ before threatening to post a message on YouTube alleging that her father had raped her.
“This is an extraordinary and serious offence of its kind.”
Wilson, of Allen Grove, Stokesley, was also made subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and will have to sign on the sex offenders' register for life.
Speaking after the sentencing in June, investigating officer, Detective Constable Karen Barugh of Northallerton CID, said: “The defendant has committed multiple malicious and sexual offences against children online between 2018 and 2020, causing them great distress. They must have been terrified at the thought of him carrying out his threats.
“Despite being arrested, he continued to commit offences while on bail, his offending increasing in severity over time. He was prolific in his targeting of children and has shown no remorse for what he did.”
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