A CAERPHILLY man jailed for a string of "grotesque" sexual offences committed against his own family had his sentence cut by top judges today.

The father and grandfather terrorised minors who were either his children or in his care, London's Appeal Court heard, and appeared to "lack all moral compass".

He committed his crimes over a 15-year time span, said Mr Justice Stewart, and was aided by his then wife.

His former wife played a lesser role, although she had been branded an "enthusiastic participant".

In one incident of gross indecency, the father had "encouraged" his son to commit a sex act with his wife, the boy's stepmother.

The father committed his crimes in "pursuit of his own sexual gratification", said Mr Justice Stewart.

His fellow judge, Lord Justice Davis, said that "all normal moral boundaries were completely lost" within the family.

The father, who cannot be named to protect his victims, was handed a total 19-year jail term at Cardiff Crown Court in August last year.

He was convicted of 15 offences, including gross indecency, indecent assault and assault causing actual bodily harm.

His former wife received a six-year term for three offences, including gross indecency.

The pair's case reached the Appeal Court as they challenged their sentences, which their lawyers claimed were "too heavy".

Mr Justice Stewart, sitting with Lord Justice Davis and Mr Justice Lewis, resolved to cut both sentences.

He said the father's punishment would have been more appropriate for a series of rapes.

In the woman's case there was "some mitigation", he observed. One of the victims said later that she was the only adult who had been kind to him.

The father's sentence was cut to 15 years, and his ex-wife's was reduced to five years.

"In all the circumstances, and reflecting the mitigation, we accept that her sentence was manifestly excessive", the appeal judge concluded.