A CHILD sex offender has been sentenced to an extra two and a half years in prison after his original five year term was deemed unduly lenient.

Former coach company worker Leonard Garnett, from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, was found guilty at Teesside Crown Court in May of an historic child sex offence.

The 58-year-old was in his 20s when he removed the underpants of a young boy, aged five or six, and tried to penetrate him, Lord Justice Treacy told the Appeal Court today (Wednesday, July 27).

The boy began crying but Garnett told him to be quiet and tried again.

The victim suffered psychological harm and tried to cut his own throat when older, the judge added.

He told his family of the ordeal but nothing was done and it was not until many years later he was able to tell police what Garnett did to him.

Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC MP referred the original sentence to the Court of Appeal which today (Wednesday, July 27) increased Garnett's sentence to seven years and six months with a year extended licence period.

Despite his conviction by a jury, Garnett still protests his innocence and insists "the allegation has been made up", said Lord Justice Treacy.

Joel Smith QC, on behalf of the Attorney General, argued the five year sentence was nowhere near tough enough.

"That Garnett was "struggling" at the time to "come to terms with his sexuality" was "not an excuse or explanation", he added.

Chris Baker, for Garnett, said the judge who jailed him was experienced and having sat through the trial was in the best position to sentence him.

Lord Justice Treacy, sitting with Mrs Justice Nicola Davies and Judge Johanna Cutts, QC, said Garnett was a man of otherwise good character who had led an industrious life and many years had passed since the attack without further offending.

But he concluded: "Five years after a trial was not only lenient but unduly lenient in the circumstances of this case where such a boy was involved."

The victim had not used the coaches used by the company which garnett only began working for some two years ago. The firm insisted he had no access to either customers or any details of young passengers.

Speaking afterwards the Attorney General said: "Child sex offences are some of the most heinous crimes in the criminal justice system, which have a long and sometimes debilitating effect on the victim.

"It is important these crimes are sufficiently punished and I am pleased the Court has increased the time Garnett will now serve in jail."

After the original trial, Detective Constable Dawn Clarke of Durham Constabulary said Garnett was outwardly a "nice bloke" but "in reality, he is a dangerous and devious paedophile".