Man who abducted girl while dressed as woman bids to cut sentence

Lawyers for Miller have argued that his sentence was "excessive"

A man who abducted a primary school girl while dressed as a woman will have a bid considered to cut his sentence.

Andrew Miller was jailed for 20 years after subjecting the girl to a series of sexual assaults over 27 hours.

Lawyers for Miller, 53, also known as Amy George, argue the sentence was "excessive" and put "too much weight" on his transgender identity.

Appeal judges will now consider those claims and if he received "insufficient discount" for an early guilty plea.

Miller was jailed last year for the offences committed in the Scottish Borders in February 2023.

He admitted charges of abduction, sexual assault, watching pornography in the presence of the child under the age of 13, and possessing 242 indecent images of children in May 2023.

The court was told "too much weight" had been attached to Miller's transgender identity

He was given an extended sentence in October last year, comprising 20 years in jail and a further eight on licence under supervision in the community.

An appeal court hearing in Edinburgh was told that Miller had lived as a woman for six years prior to the offence, and was now supporting other trans prisoners.

Defence advocate Victoria Dow said: "The 28-year sentence was excessive having regard to the overall circumstances.

"Nothing I say should be considered to be minimising the offence.

"Clearly a substantial sentence was appropriate."

She said Miller lived as a woman "for many years", and his "transgender identity had been a factor throughout his life".

'Serious matter'

She added: "Too much weight has been attached to that factor.

"It is clear the appellant has experienced psychological difficulties throughout his life.

"This is his first offence for such a serious matter."

She said he had also pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

"That's something Miller should be given some credit for," she said.

"There were long periods where Miller lived his life and did not cause any harm.

"He is not a persistent offender."

She added that he wanted to understand why he had committed the offence but recognised any sentence imposed would be a significant one.

A written decision will be issued at a later date.