SHAUN SAUNDERS FROM CHARD AND WESTON SUPER MARE JAILED FOR SEXUAL GROOMING OF UNDERAGE GIRL

In a recent and disturbing case, Shaun Saunders, a man originally from Chard who has now relocated to Weston Super Mare, has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in a serious sexual misconduct case involving a minor. The incident came to light during a court hearing held at Taunton Crown Court in December 2014, where Saunders was found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual assault of a girl aged between 13 and 15 years old.

According to court records, Saunders, aged 39 at the time, engaged in a troubling relationship with the young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons. The court heard that their relationship began when she was just 14 years old. What started as a friendship gradually evolved into a sexual relationship, with the court describing the interactions as both consensual and deeply inappropriate. Recorder Collins emphasized that, despite the consensual nature of their encounters, the relationship was fundamentally wrong due to the significant age difference and the vulnerability of the girl.

Prosecutor Tara Woolfe detailed the nature of Saunders' conduct, stating, “She was a vulnerable girl, she had low self-esteem and was being bullied. Saunders had recently separated from his wife and children when they became friends. He would hug and kiss her, ensuring no one could see, and this behavior eventually developed into sexual intercourse.” Woolfe further explained that the girl felt flattered and wanted the attention, which made her more susceptible to Saunders’ advances. She added that the sexual activity occurred nearly daily over the course of their relationship, which lasted more than a year. The girl also reported that Saunders was like her shadow, always present wherever she went, which added to the controlling nature of their relationship.

During sentencing, Recorder Collins addressed Saunders directly, stating, “You were 36 when you engaged in a relationship with someone who was only 14, and although you are unable to recognize it, she was far too young to engage in a sexual relationship with a man twice her age. You cannot see that it is wholly wrong and inappropriate for someone like you to engage in an intimate relationship with a girl who is not emotionally equipped for it. You in a sense ignored her vulnerability and saw this as an opportunity to take advantage of a young girl who would do anything you wanted.”

The judge also acknowledged Saunders’ learning difficulties, which may have impaired his understanding of the gravity of his actions. Despite this, the court found his lack of remorse and failure to comprehend the wrongfulness of his conduct troubling. The court sentenced Saunders to four years in prison, and he was also ordered to register as a sex offender. Additionally, authorities are currently considering whether to impose a sex prevention order to further restrict Saunders’ contact with minors and prevent any future offenses.

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about grooming and exploitation of vulnerable minors, and the importance of strict legal action to protect young people from predatory behavior.