Judges refuse to increase sentence of Wolverhampton paedophile who molested young girl

Kashif Zafar, 21, of Newbridge Street, Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton, was handed a three-year community order at Wolverhampton Crown Court in November last year.

Zafar was also ordered to undergo sex offender treatment, and handed a 10-year sex offences prevention order, after he admitted sexual assault on a child under 13.

He risked being jailed after his case was referred to London's Criminal Appeal Court by Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC, who argued his sentence was 'too soft'.

But three of the country's most senior judges refused to interfere today, saying the crown court judge was 'entitled' to let Zafar walk free.

The court heard Zafar's sickening crime came to light after the girl spoke to her mother about him as she was being dropped off at school.

The victim, who was aged under 10, later told police what Zafar had done to her, prompting his arrest.

He initially said nothing, but later admitted his crime and said he was 'buzzing' at the time because he had been drinking heavily.

Lawyers for the Solicitor General argued the sentence was 'unduly lenient'.

Given the various 'aggravating factors' - including a previous caution given to Zafar for a relationship with a 13-year-old girl - he should have been jailed, they claimed.

But Lady Justice Macur said the crown court judge decided not to jail him because that would not have given Zafar the sex offender treatment he needs.

She added: "Taking all matters into account, we come to the clear view that the sentence imposed was one which was vaild, open to the judge and cannot be categorised as wrong.

"In those circumstances, we fail to see how he can be criticised or, indeed, that he reached a sentence that can be found to be unduly lenient."

The judge, sitting with Mr Justice Dingemans and Judge Julian Goose QC, rejected Mr Buckland's application.