A man who had sex with a 12-year-old Reading girl he met through an internet chat room did not receive one day too long in jail, top judges have ruled.

London's Criminal Appeal Court echoed previous rulings where judges said a "clear message of disapproval" should be sent out in such cases.

Barry Smith (27), of Keats Close, Basingstoke, was jailed for three years at Winchester Crown Court in May, after pleading guilty to having unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13.

Mr Justice Eady, sitting with Lord Justice May and Mr Justice Hughes, refused to reduce his sentence, rejecting claims that it was "manifestly excessive".

"It is obvious the use of the internet to make contact with young girls is an aggravating feature," he said.

The judge said it was plainly necessary to pass relatively severe sentences to deter paedophiles and others from contacting young under-age victims.

Smith met the girl through an internet chat room-she knew he was 27 and she claimed to be 14, although he knew her true age by the time they had sex.

The sentencing judge said the use of such chat rooms had become a very serious problem and he noted Smith admitted using the internet to procure sexual activities with other females.