1 day Ago By [email protected] (Isabelle Bates)
A man who subjected a woman to an unprovoked attack inside a church has been jailed. James Saunders barricaded the woman inside the building in the ordeal which later saw a vicar falsely imprisoned alongside her. Saunders, 39, entered Holy Trinity Church in Amblecote, Dudley , on November 14 last year.
A woman was visiting the church and saw him standing by himself. She turned to leave, but he blocked her path and ordered her to sit at the front of the church. The two talked for a short time although Saunders began rambling and not making sense, police have said.
READ MORE: Woman dies after becoming trapped under vehicle at property Terrifyingly, Saunders threatened to kill the woman before knocking her to the floor causing her to hit her head. The ordeal continued for some hours before the Vicar of the church arrived and asked what was going on. Saunders then attacked the male vicar and smashed his phone.
He made more threats to kill both the woman and the vicar until police arrived and forced themselves into the church. They had been called by a member of the public who had become concerned that the door to the church had been barred. Saunders pleaded guilty to assault and false imprisonment and was jailed for nine years and seven months at Wolverhampton Crown Court on September 13.
Speaking after the sentencing, det sgt Nadia Cooper said: "This was an appalling incident which caused significant fear and emotional distress to the two people assaulted, not to mention their physical injuries. "This sentence has taken a highly dangerous individual off our streets and we hope the people he assaulted will find some closure knowing he has been jailed." Archdeacon of Dudley, Nikki Groarke, added: "This was a very traumatic experience for those involved and we are grateful to the police for resolving the situation and apprehending the offender.
"Thankfully, attacks in churches are relatively rare and it is important that they continue to be a place of safety for our clergy, volunteers and all those who visit. If anyone is feeling anxious, then our church buildings team and other parish support staff are always willing to talk through appropriate security measures.".
