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Paedophile's prison term reduced Paedophile's prison term reduced
(about 10 hours later)
A serial sex offender who drove one of his young victims to the point of suicide has seen his jail sentence cut by three years.A serial sex offender who drove one of his young victims to the point of suicide has seen his jail sentence cut by three years.
Paedophile Alexander Duncan, 55, had admitted crimes over a 17-year period.Paedophile Alexander Duncan, 55, had admitted crimes over a 17-year period.
Judge Lord Wheatley had jailed him for a total of 13 years telling him: "This is a truly horrible case."Judge Lord Wheatley had jailed him for a total of 13 years telling him: "This is a truly horrible case."
However, the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh heard that the judge had been mistaken about the maximum sentences allowed for some offences. However, the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh heard the judge had been mistaken about the maximum sentences allowed for some offences.
Duncan, who was sleeping rough when he was caught, admitted a range of sex offences.Duncan, who was sleeping rough when he was caught, admitted a range of sex offences.
Harming herselfHarming herself
One of his three young victims, who was four years old when Duncan began to molest her, had tried to kill herself, the High Court in Aberdeen heard in August.One of his three young victims, who was four years old when Duncan began to molest her, had tried to kill herself, the High Court in Aberdeen heard in August.
Another had a nervous breakdown and had been harming herself since she was 12 years old.Another had a nervous breakdown and had been harming herself since she was 12 years old.
Not guilty pleas to more serious allegations of rape and assault with intent to rape were accepted.Not guilty pleas to more serious allegations of rape and assault with intent to rape were accepted.
Appeal judge Lord Nimmo Smith said that Duncan had used the girls to gratify himself sexually.Appeal judge Lord Nimmo Smith said that Duncan had used the girls to gratify himself sexually.
It was accepted that his offences were not at the most serious end of the scale, the court heard.It was accepted that his offences were not at the most serious end of the scale, the court heard.