A CHARITY fundraiser who was jailed for sex offences against an underage girl which took place two decades ago had his sentence slashed on appeal this week.

Simon John Hall, 46, of Cornfields, Andover, confessed to a sexual relationship with a teenager when he himself was in his early 20s.

He was jailed for three years at Winchester Crown Court in April – but on Tuesday it was cut to two-and-a-half years by judges at London’s Court of Appeal.

Hall was an ambassador for Naomi House and Jacksplace and helped to raise thousands of pounds for the children’s hospices over the seven years he volunteered there.

He was also well known for regularly co-ordinating the Salisbury Plain Cycle Challenge.

Lord Justice Lloyd Jones said there was no doubt that Hall’s crimes meant he deserved jail, but that the term itself was too long.

The court heard Hall had groomed the girl, sending her letters and gifts and calling her.

It led to sexual intimacy, which started before she was 16 – despite the girl’s father warning Hall to stay away.

The crimes only came to light many years later and Hall admitted what he had done as soon as he was quizzed by police.

He told officers he was “devastated” at the idea that he might have harmed the girl.

He pleaded guilty to indecent assault and indecency with a child in April this year, as previously reported by the Advertiser.

Since the offences, he had led an altruistic life, helping to raise thousands of pounds for charities and good causes, the court heard.

Cutting his sentence on Tuesday, Lord Justice Lloyd Jones said Hall had shown “genuine remorse” for what he had done.

“He was 21 at the start and immature for his age,” said the judge, sitting with Mr Justice Dingemans and Judge Mark Brown.

“There was an unusual degree of personal mitigation.

“Apart from this offending, he has led a good life and been generous in helping others.”

The total sentence was cut to two-and-a-half years.

Hall was a popular member of the Andover community and had a longstanding affiliation with Andover Wheelers spanning over 35 years.

He also claimed to be a part-time firefighter.