A CONVICTED paedophile’s appeal against his 22-year jail sentence has been quashed.

Christopher Francis, 71, was jailed in April last year at Chelmsford Crown Court.

He had admitted 23 sex offences against four children aged between five and 15 in the 1970s and 80s when he was living in Maldon.

Francis, who was living in Bournemouth before his arrest, appealed the sentence handed to him by Judge Emma Peters, who had described him as a “predatory, grooming, callous and evil paedophile abuser”.

The case came before London’s Appeal Court on May 15, where Judge Philippa Whipple ruled that the sentence was justified and ordered the 22-year jail term to be upheld.

Francis will remain behind bars for his sentence and must also serve an additional year on licence should he be released.

A spokesman for the children's charity NSPCC said: “Francis’ sickening campaign of depraved abuse finally caught up with him thanks to the courage of his victims who will have suffered enormously from these vile crimes.

“It is vital that all survivors of abuse know they will be listened and supported when they come forward, no matter how much time has passed since the offences took place."

The NSPCC’s helpline is available for anyone to call on 0808 800 1111.

Children can call Childline on 0800 1111.