Sex offender Lee Walsh fails to persuade judge to reduce his sentence

Lee Matthew Walsh (49), of Henry Street, Rotherham, was jailed for four years at Sheffield Crown Court on August 5 last year.

He was convicted of sexual assault of a girl aged under 13, Sir Kenneth Parker told London’s Appeal Court last Wednesday.

Walsh touched the girl and then threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the incident.

He argued his jail term was far too tough and ought to be cut but Sir Kenneth said the judge who jailed Walsh was “well placed” to assess the gravity of his crime.

He was entitled to pass a sentence at the “top of the range” given the victim was “very young” and the threats to kill her.

Walsh’s lack of relevant previous convictions was of “very limited assistance” in deciding his punishment.

The appeal judge, who was sitting with Lord Justice Flaux and Mr Justice Popplewell, refused the appeal.