WILTSHIRE'S police and crime commissioner has slammed an "unduly lenient" jail term handed to the county's most prolific paedophile last week.

Judge Richard Parkes sentenced 70-year-old Peter Daniels for life for almost 80 charges of child sex abuse over a 10-year period at Salisbury Crown Court on Thursday.

But families and spectators were shocked when Daniels, formerly of Alderbury, was told he could appeal to a parole board in just nine years - despite receiving six life sentences.

PCC Angus Macpherson today said: "I feel the sentence handed down may be unduly lenient.

"It certainly does not reflect the public view on the seriousness of this man's despicable crimes and what he put his young, innocent victims and their families through.

"Six life sentences may seem enough but in real terms he could serve a maximum of 18 years and be out after just nine years; this falls way below the expectations of the victims, their families and the general public.

"I have spoken today to the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland MP, to seek guidance.

"As a result of that conversation I will be formally writing to Mr Buckland to express the concerns that have been raised."

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