A SWINDON man who is serving 10 years in prison for raping a child at least 10 times has appealed against the length of his sentence.

John Liddiard, now 23, of Buttermere in Liden, was aged between 13 and 15 when the offences were committed between January 2007 and August 2009.

His victim, a young girl who cannot be named for legal reasons, was between six and eight years old at the time.

Liddiard stood trial at Swindon Crown Court last August.

After four days of evidence, a jury of seven women and five men took eight hours to deliver a unanimous guilty verdict.

The family of his victim were in the public gallery to hear the jury’s decision and exclaimed in relief when it was announced.

As the judge in the case, Recorder Michael Vere-Hodge QC, prepared to sentence Liddiard, he heard from Crown Prosecutor Tessa Hingston who read a statement given by the victim.

In it, she recounted how the ordeal had led to her developing anxiety, having flashbacks, and self-harming to such an extent that she ended up in hospital.

Earlier in the trial, the court heard how giving evidence against Liddiard had felt like a weight being lifted from the victim’s shoulders.

The court also heard that it was not Liddiard’s first such offence against young girls, in 2010 he was convicted of sexually assaulting two other girls of a similar age.

Sentencing Liddiard to 10 years in prison, the judge in the case, the judge said: “You, and others who hear or read about this case, must understand that rape is a very serious offence, it is about as serious as it gets in the criminal calendar.

“Not only is it serious in its own nature, but the effect it has on the victim can be long lasting and severe.

“You and others must understand that rape has real effects on people way beyond the physical indignity of what you do to them.”

Earlier in the trial, Liddiard attempted to deny having committed the assaults he was convicted for in 2010, saying he only pleaded guilty to take the easy way out.

On that issue, the judge said he had formed the view that “you are prepared to say whatever it takes to get out of the situation you are in,” before adding “I find you a thoroughly dishonest witness.”

But now Liddiard has asked a panel of senior judges to reduce his sentence, arguing that it is excessive when all the facts of the case are considered.

A spokesman for the Court of Appeal confirmed that the application to appeal had been received in September last year and that it had come before the court on Wednesday this week.

The case was adjourned and a new probation report was ordered. The report will look at the motive for Liddiard’s offending, his understanding of the impact and any remorse shown, as well as how best to address his risk of reoffending.

The Court of Appeal is now adjourned until the end of the month for the Easter break.

Liddiard is expected to hear the outcome of his appeal in May or June.