A FOOTBALL coach who sexually assaulted a young boy in Winsford will spend longer in jail after his initial sentence this year was flagged up for being too lenient.

Fred Taylor, 68, of Foelas Terrace in Capel Garmon, Llanywst, Wales, was a football coach in Winsford, when he committed the offences around 10 years ago.

The victim, who was between the ages of 10 and 12 when the assaults took place, kept the abuse to himself for some years before finally opening up about his traumatic experiences when he was 20.

Taylor was convicted of indecently assaulting a young boy on two occasions and was originally sentenced at Chester Crown Court in May, where he was given 12 months’ imprisonment.

However, the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, referred his sentence to the Court of Appeal, highlighting that he believed the sentence was too low.

On Tuesday, July 24, after the Solicitor General’s referral, the Court of Appeal increased Taylor’s sentence to 30 months’ imprisonment.

Commenting on the sentence increase, the Solicitor General said: “Taylor stole a young boy’s innocence, and his crimes went unpunished for a long time, so it is important that his sentence now truly reflects the gravity of his crimes.

“I am pleased that the Court of Appeal has agreed to increase Taylor’s sentence, and I hope the victim can begin to move on from what would have been a hugely traumatic experience.”