Callous Nottingham rapist escaped to Lanzarote while awaiting trial

CALLOUS NOTTINGHAM RAPIST ESCAPED TO LANZAROTE WHILE AWAITING TRIAL

A "callous" Nottingham rapist who was on bail fled to Lanzarote while waiting for his trial.

Craig Saunders was reported to police in November 2020 after his teenage victim told a school teacher about his abuse.

The 39-year-old, who denied wrongdoing despite damning forensic evidence, was due to stand trial in September but left the country while on bail.

He flew to Turkey on a return ticket but failed to return 10 days later, instead traveling to Lanzarote via Zurich in an effort to evade capture.

With support from Spain’s Guardia Civil and the National Crime Agency (NCA), Saunders was arrested and held in custody before his extradition back to the UK.

Following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court held in his absence, Saunders — now of HMP Nottingham — was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

He was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison and was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will restrict his interactions with young women upon release.

Detective Constable Kerry Stringer of Nottinghamshire Police said: "Saunders' behaviour showed a callous disregard not only for his victim, but also for the wider legal process.

Whilst the jury were not told of the reason for his absence, the evidence available to them enabled them to convict him of his crimes.

As this case concludes, I am full of admiration for the victim’s courage in coming forward and reporting what happened.

I am also grateful to our international partners for their collaboration in tracking Saunders and facilitating his return so quickly."