Paedophile Sentenced to 18 Months in Jail After Lenient Sentence Reversed

Michael Porter, 38, of Okehampton Close, North Finchley, has been resentenced to 18 months in prison for a series of sexual assaults on children. The original sentence, a three-year community rehabilitation order, was deemed "unduly lenient" by the Attorney General, Baroness Scotland.

Porter's crimes, which included groping boys as they slept and taking advantage of children while babysitting, occurred between 1986 and 2000. The victims included an 18-month-old baby and a three-year-old boy, some of whom were unaware of the abuse.

The original sentence, handed down by Judge Thomas Crowther QC at Bristol Crown Court in August, sparked public outcry. The judge had cited "complex" childhood issues as a reason for Porter's actions.

The Court of Appeal, in overturning the original sentence, recognized the seriousness of the offenses and the need for punishment. Lord Justice Gage stated, "These were serious offenses committed on a number of young children and adolescents over a long time. These offenses required an element of punishment as well as an element of mercy. They must be marked with a custodial sentence."

Porter's case follows the early release of another convicted paedophile, Andrew Josephs, who used to live in Edgware Way, Edgware. Josephs, who was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for indecent assault, was released early and is currently on probation. He is banned from entering the borough of Harrow, but the restriction does not extend to Barnet.

Barnet police are monitoring Josephs in partnership with the probation service. A spokesman for Barnet police stated, "The probation service in partnership with the Public Protection Unit at Barnet Police are monitoring Mr Jospehs. He is on probation having been released from prison."