DAVID SANDERSON FROM PITSEA COLLAPSES IN COURT AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT CONVICTION IN SOUTHEND

In a dramatic turn of events at Southend Crown Court, David Sanderson, a 67-year-old man from Moretons, Pitsea, experienced a health crisis during his sentencing hearing for a serious sexual assault. As the court proceedings reached their conclusion, Sanderson suddenly collapsed in the dock, prompting immediate medical intervention from attending paramedics.

Sanderson, who suffers from stress-related angina, was assessed on-site after he fell ill with chest pains during a scheduled break in the trial. Despite being administered oxygen, he refused to be taken to the hospital for further treatment. His health issues appeared to be a significant concern throughout the case, with his solicitor, Caroline Moonan, highlighting his ongoing health struggles. She explained that Sanderson's health had been deteriorating for some time, and he was eager to see the legal process concluded.

The court had previously heard that Sanderson was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl during his trial last month. The incident was alleged to have occurred on October 24, 2004, but delays in the trial were caused by Sanderson’s health problems. The prosecution, led by Samantha Leigh, detailed the assault, stating that Sanderson and the victim had known each other for some time. According to her testimony, Sanderson pinned the girl down, forcibly ripped her clothing, pulled her bra, and touched her breasts. Throughout the ordeal, the girl struggled to push him away, fighting to escape the assault.

During sentencing, Recorder Stanley Spence described the attack as a moment of madness, emphasizing that Sanderson's actions were driven by his sexual desires, which overpowered his judgment. The judge characterized the assault as both sustained and violent, noting that the victim was injured and visibly frightened. She had fought back, causing injuries to Sanderson’s arm and head, and was clearly in fear of further harm. The court also heard that the attack took place at night, and that the victim had been drinking at the time, which the judge considered an aggravating factor.

Sanderson’s solicitor argued that his client’s poor health should be considered as a mitigating factor, suggesting that a suspended sentence might be appropriate. However, the court rejected this, stating that his health issues did not constitute exceptional circumstances. Ultimately, Sanderson was sentenced to 18 months in prison, a sentence reduced by half due to his health, and he will be required to register as a sex offender for ten years. The case also revealed that Sanderson had been subjected to a hate campaign, with his car vandalized 18 times and a brick thrown through the window of his sister’s house, indicating a pattern of targeted hostility.

Throughout the proceedings, the court emphasized the seriousness of the offence, condemning Sanderson’s actions as a grave violation of the victim’s safety and dignity. The incident has left a lasting impact on the community in Pitsea, where Sanderson resides, and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of justice in cases of sexual assault.