CHARLES SCHNEIDER

SWINDON SEX OFFENDER CHARLES SCHNEIDER SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR MULTIPLE SEX OFFENCES

A man found guilty of raping a woman has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Charles Schneider, aged 59 from Freshbrook, Swindon, was convicted at Swindon Crown Court last month on two counts of rape.

He was also found guilty of three charges of sexual assault and two of sexual assault by penetration.

The court was informed that Schneider had subjected his victim to sexual assaults over several months.

In a statement, the victim expressed that while she does not feel she can ‘move on,’ she is beginning to feel safe for the first time in years.

She stated, 'While I still have to deal with what happened, it does begin to help.' Schneider has been placed on the sex offender register indefinitely and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £170.

Wiltshire Police highlighted the profound impact his actions had on her mental health, saying, ‘Her stress levels have increased, and she now worries more about others’ motives, finding everyday interactions more stressful.

She described feeling uncomfortable in situations like getting into a taxi driven by a male driver alone.

The victim also shared her feelings of difficulty moving on, stating she is 'grateful' for Schneider's conviction, which feels like the end of a distressing period, but recognizes she still has to cope with its aftermath.

Sgt Matthew Gamble from Wiltshire Police added, ‘Schneider’s actions have caused understandably significant stress to his victim, affecting her mental health and her life both privately and professionally.' Schneider was also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was given a victim surcharge of £170.