Tougher sentence demanded by judge

A Scottish judge has referred the case of a man who had sex with a
minor to the country’s High Court, after ruling he was unable to
impose a harsh enough punishment.

Sheriff George Kavanagh said his sentencing powers, a five-year
maximum, were not adequate to deal with Simon Moore’s “despicable”
offences.

Moore, 36, from Hackney, east London, had sex with a 13-year-old
Scottish girl, having groomed her through an internet chatroom.

Moore was charged with having unlawful sex and released on bail. He
then carried out a similar offence, targeting another 13 year old
in the same chat room before abducting and having sex with her. He
is currently serving a six-year sentence for that offence, but
could face his sentence being extended by the Scottish High Court.