April 2016 Dangerous paedophile has sentence CUT on appeal A dangerous predator who subjected young girls to a string of appalling sex offences has had his sentence cut on appeal. Martin Evans targeted more than one child under the age of 13 over a number of years. The 47-year-old, of Arthur Place, Reading, was found guilty of two counts of rape, two of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two of sexual assault. At Reading Crown Court in June last year , he was handed an extended sentence for public protection – made up of a 21-year jail term and a six-year additional licence period. But judges sitting at London’s Criminal Appeal Court have now ruled that his punishment was too tough. Lord Justice Gross, sitting with Mr Justice Jeremy Baker and Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, reduced the prison term to 18 years. Evans will now serve at least 12 years behind bars, before he can apply for parole – but will only be released at that point if he no longer poses a danger to the public. September 2015 Child abuser found guilty of eight sexual offences involving children under 13 A Newtown man was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Friday, September 11, to 21 years in prison for child sex offences. Martin Evans, 46, was found guilty of eight offences after a two-week trial at the same court which ended on June 18. Evans, of Arthur Place, was found guilty of: Two counts of oral rape of a child under 13 Two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity Two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13. The offences relate to more than one victim and occurred over a period up to and including 2014. Investigating officer Detective Constable Helen Gasson from the child abuse investigation team at Reading Police Station said: “I would like to thank the victims and witnesses for their bravery in coming forward. “They have shown such strength and courage throughout this trial. The sentence reflects the seriousness of this shocking crime.” The 21-year prison sentence also included six years’ extended licence.