A former councillor who bombarded a schoolgirl with "disgusting and obscene" texts has been freed from jail as an act of mercy by top judges.

Stephen David Evans, 57, was in a highly troubled state when he sent lewd anonymous texts to his 15-year-old victim, London's Appeal Court heard.

In one text the former Pembrokeshire councillor bluntly told the distraught schoolgirl, "I want to **** you."

Later on, he sent her further "disgusting and obscene messages", said Lady Justice Sharp today.

In one message, he fantasised about a "threesome" with the girl, although by that time she was no longer under age.

Evans, of Haverfordwest, was jailed for 16 months at Swansea Crown Court in August.

He admitted two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

But his case reached the Appeal Court today as he successfully challenged his sentence.

Lady Justice Sharp noted the distressing impact of the messages on Evans' victim - whose GCSE grades suffered badly as a result.

But the judge highlighted Evans' previous good character - plus the "devoted care" he gives his ailing wife.

The court heard that she suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and that Evans took on the "enormous burden" of looking after her before being locked up.

The judge, sitting with Mr Justice Morris and Judge Jeremy Carey QC noted Evans' "exemplary devotion".

He had also shown "genuine remorse and sense of shame and regret".

Although "very unpleasant", this was not a case where Evans had tried to groom or make physical contact with his victim.

"There were reasons to be merciful in view of the difficulties in this case," said Lady Justice Sharp, cutting the sentence to 20 weeks.

The reduction should mean Evans' immediate release.