LEE SENDER FROM DURSLEY AND LEIGHTON BUZZARD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN GLOUCESTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Dursley and Leighton Buzzard, Lee Sender, aged 30, has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Gloucester. The assault took place in the city center, where Sender approached the 16-year-old girl under false pretenses before committing a terrifying sexual attack.

According to court records, the incident occurred on a Saturday night in January of this year. The victim was in Gloucester with a friend when she encountered Sender, who initially engaged her in conversation. Sender falsely claimed to be an undercover police officer, a tactic often used to manipulate and intimidate victims. He then led her through Gloucester Park and onto Weston Road, where he forcibly dragged her into an alleyway. It was there that he carried out the sexual assault, leaving the girl traumatized and frightened.

Following the attack, a police investigation was swiftly launched. Law enforcement officials issued a public appeal for information, which proved instrumental in identifying the suspect. A Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), recognizing Sender’s description from the media appeal, contacted the police. This crucial tip led to the identification and subsequent arrest of Sender, who had a prior conviction for indecent assault involving young girls in 1999.

Further investigations revealed that Sender was wanted on the police national computer. He was eventually located and apprehended in Leighton Buzzard, bringing an end to his brief period of evasion. The case was brought before Gloucester Crown Court, where Judge Hart sentenced Sender to five years in prison. The judge described the assault as a “predatory attack on the streets of Gloucester where she thought she was safe,” emphasizing the gravity of the crime.

During sentencing, Judge Hart referenced a pre-sentence report that painted a troubling picture of Sender’s background. The report detailed a history of alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence—including incidents involving strangulation—and a disturbing lack of empathy for his victims. These factors contributed to the court’s decision to impose a significant custodial sentence.

Detective Inspector Kevin McCloskey expressed his relief at the outcome, stating, “The victim went through a nightmare ordeal at the hands of this man, and we just hope this outcome provides some relief for the family.” He also acknowledged the vital role played by media support, the work of the PCSO, and the extensive inquiries conducted by CID officers, which collectively ensured that Sender could not evade justice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and effective police work in tackling predatory crimes.