November 2016 Paedophile who abused two young girls cannot complain about his sentence, say top judges A paedophile jailed for sickening abuse of two young girls more than three decades ago has been told by top judges he cannot complain about his sentence. Derek Edward Hackney, 67, of Glenthorne Road, Taunton, was locked up for 16-and-a-half years at Taunton Crown Court in May He admitted two counts of indecent assault and was found guilty of two further counts of indecent assault, rape and another serious sex offence. He was also found guilty of indecent assault and indecency with a child in relation to a second girl. The offences were all committed in the 1970s and 80s and his victims were aged under 10 at the time, the court heard. Hackney challenged his sentence at the Court of Appeal, in London, with his lawyers arguing it was far too tough. Michael Wolkind QC said the crown court judge didn’t take enough account of Hackney’s advancing years. He had not committed any further crimes in more than 30 years, said the barrister. He also argued that more weight should have been given to the poor health of his wife, who relied on him to care for her. But, dismissing his appeal, Judge Jeremy Carey QC said the sentences were “wholly justified” for the serious and repeated crimes against the two young victims. Sitting with Lady Justice Macur and Mr Justice Morris, he added: “We are entirely satisfied that the sentence was not manifestly excessive.”