A WRECCLESHAM man who sexually abused a 12-year-old girl for a number of years has seen his prison sentence increased by the Court of Appeal.

Michael Redman, 60, dubbed ‘Britain’s most prolific dad’ after reportedly fathering 28 children, was convicted of several offences of sexual assault and child pornography arising from a four-year period of sustained sexual abuse starting in 2008.

He was originally sentenced by Guildford Crown Court to serve five years and eight months.

But following a request by the Crown Prosecution Service, the Court of Appeal has quashed the original sentence as “unduly lenient” and ordered Redman to serve a sentence of 10 years.

Solicitor General Robert Buckland referred the sentence, and speaking after the hearing on March 3 said: “I felt that the sentence in this case was unduly lenient given that it involved a sustained period of sexual abuse.

“The impact on victims of sexual abuse – particularly sustained sexual abuse – cannot be underestimated, and I am glad that the Court of Appeal has decided to order an increased sentence today.”

Redman lived in Riverdale, Wrecclesham, until the early 2000s and lived in Ash at the time of his sentencing at Guildford Crown Court just before Christmas.

He denied three counts of sexual assault on a child, two counts of assault by penetration and four counts of making indecent pictures, but was convicted by a jury following a trial.

During the trial, the court heard Redman - an ex-soldier and bus driver - would visit his teenage victim’s home and molest her as well as taking photos of her naked.

On other occasions he took the girl to an isolated woodland in Frensham, where he again touched her intimately and forced her to take her clothes off for photos.

Redman’s crimes only became apparent when his victim, now aged 19, felt strong enough to tell her father who in turn encouraged her to notify the police.

In his defence, Redman said the girl made up the accusations due to her hostility towards him because of his lifestyle.

However, after a one-and-a half-week trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts and sentencing him on December 21, Judge Peter Moss ordered the former Wrecclesham man to serve 68 months behind bars - now extended to 10 years.

Redman has also been placed on the Sex Offender’s Register and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order banning him from contacting anyone under the age of 16 without the express permission of a parent or guardian who is aware of his convictions.

Speaking after the trial in December, detective inspector Mark Chapman of Surrey Police’s safeguarding investigation unit said: “The sentence reflects the severity of the offences committed by this dangerous individual.

“Redman’s predatory behaviour came to light after the victim had the courage to come forward and speak out about the abuse she had suffered.

“The outcome should serve as a warning to those who do or have sexually abused children that Surrey Police take all such allegations seriously.

“Furthermore, Surrey Police will fully support victims and investigate whether in regard to a recent or non-recent allegation.”