The man sentenced last year to life imprisonment for the kidnap and murder of Sarah Payne has been ordered by the British government to serve 50 years behind bars.
The decision, brought by Home Secretary Mr David Blunkett, means Roy Whiting, 43, will almost certainly die in jail.
Mr Blunkett - who as Home Secretary has the power to adjust sentences - has been under public pressure to toughen jail tariffs for child killers and paedophiles.
The killing of eight-year-old Sarah at the hands of Whiting in July 2000 shocked Britain.
Under normal circumstances, anyone sentenced to life imprisonment in Britain would be expected to serve a maximum 25 years behind bars - but could be released in half the time for good behaviour.
Announcing Whiting's tough new sentence, a Home Office spokeswoman said: "The Home Secretary has set his tariff for 50 years."
AFP