Wakefield man jailed for 18 years for non-recent sex offences

Friday, 6 March 2020 16:00

A man from Wakefield has been sentenced to 18 years for non-recent sex offences on three girls.

David Saunders 74, was found guilty after a trial at Leeds Crown Court in December.

The offences happened between 2000 to 2004 and a more recent offence between 2012 and 2013, with Saunders being arrested in May 2017.

He was found guilty of a number of offences including sex assault and indecent assault.

Following a trial Saunders was sentenced yesterday at Leeds Crown Court to 18 years, 16 years custodial with 2 years extension on licence.

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will sign the Sex Offenders Register.

Detective Constable Darren Arnold of Wakefield District Child Safeguarding team said: “Saunders known as ‘Dusty’ took advantage of his victim’s young ages and vulnerabilities to commit these abhorrent crimes.

“Saunders is a dangerous individual, who throughout the case has showed no regret or sympathy to his victims.

“I would like to thank the victims for their courage in coming forward after all this time and reporting these crimes to the police.

“I hope this lengthy sentence gives his victims some comfort in knowing he will be behind bars for a very long time.

“West Yorkshire Police take cases of child sexual exploitation extremely seriously and will take positive action with partners to support victims and bring perpetrators before the court, however long ago these offences occurred.

“We hope this outcome will give others the confidence to report offences to us knowing that they will be supported by specially trained officers who will investigate every report and take appropriate action.”

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