A CRACK cocaine-fuelled thug who 'destroyed' a teenage girl's life when he sexually assaulted and robbed her on a remote path has won a cut in his sentence.

Lee Anthony Haslam, 29, had downed 10 cans of cider and was high on drugs when he grabbed his 19-year-old victim, dragging down her pants before snatching her Christmas money.

Haslam, of Burnley Road, Crawshawbooth, Rossendale, was caged for six years and 36 weeks at Burnley Crown Court in May.

He admitted sexual assault, robbery and breach of a suspended sentence order.

But three senior judges at London's Appeal Court upheld a sentence challenge by Haslam, slashing more than eight months from his jail term.

Haslam was subject to a 36-week suspended sentence for an earlier burglary offence at the time but his barrister, Stuart Duke, argued that the judge erred in failing to make the 36-week sentence concurrent with the rest of his jail term.

Sir Brian, sitting with Mrs Justice Elisabeth Laing and Mr Justice William Davis, said: "Bearing in mind all of the circumstances of this case, that is what we will do.

"To that extent, the appeal succeeds.

"The total sentence is reduced from six years and 36 weeks to six years' imprisonment