2 weeks Ago
Robert Saunders, 58, of Hockley Road, pleaded guilty to each of the offences by nodding at his barrister, who then spoke the pleas aloud. Basildon Crown Court heard Saunders, who has had cerebral palsy since childhood, usually communicates by writing on an electronic tablet. He attended court on Friday, November 8, to admit a series of offences committed in March and April this year.
He entered his first guilty plea to one count attempting to incite a girl aged 13 to perform a sex act on him between March 30 and April 6 this year. He then admitted one count of attempting to engage in sexual communication with the same girl between the same dates, by “talking about what you would like to do to her”. Finally, Saunders pleaded guilty to two counts of making indecent images of a child.
One image was Category A – the most serious type, which depict penetrative or sadistic sexual activity. The other image was Category C – the least serious type, which do not involve sexual activity but may, for example, show nude children in sexual poses. Judge Shane Collery KC agreed to postpone the defendant’s sentencing so the probation service could conduct an assessment.
A probation officer will interview him about what provoked his offending and how he now feels about it, in order to assess his ongoing danger to the public. “It will have to be a face-to-face meeting,” Judge Collery said, so Saunders could answer probation’s questions via his tablet. He agreed to release Saunders on bail, with conditions preventing him from working with or living or staying in the same property as any child.
“He must be realistic,” Judge Collery said. “Count one is a serious matter so it’s very likely that the court will be foremost looking at a custodial sentence.” Saunders appeared overcome with emotion as he exited the courtroom.
He will be sentenced in the week commencing January 20..
