BRIDPORT MAN GRAEME SAUNDERS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In October 2003, a disturbing case unfolded at Dorchester Crown Court involving Graeme Saunders, a 28-year-old man from Trinity Way in Bridport, who was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a minor. Saunders, a former scoutmaster, was sentenced to six months in prison and was also ordered to be listed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of seven years after he pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 16.

During the court proceedings, Recorder James Bullen detailed the nature of Saunders' offenses, revealing that the defendant had sexual relations with the same girl on three occasions when she was 14 years old and once when she was 15. The court was informed that Saunders was aware of the girl’s age at the time of these encounters, which took place between June and October 2002. It was also noted that Saunders had known the girl through his role as a scout leader, although he had stepped down from his position before the offenses occurred.

Prosecutor Chris Grier emphasized that Saunders was fully aware of the girl’s age during the incidents and that she participated willingly in each act. The court heard that the girl’s parents disapproved of her relationship with Saunders and had explicitly forbidden her from seeing him. Despite this, Saunders continued to maintain contact with her, even going as far as purchasing a mobile phone to facilitate their communication.

In his defense, Neil Hinton, representing Saunders, argued that the girl was mature for her age and had admitted during police interviews that she had initiated the sexual activities. A video of her police interview was played in court, in which she stated, “He told me I had to come on to him because otherwise it could be taken as other things.”

Hinton further claimed that Saunders did not intend to harm the girl and that their relationship was based on mutual feelings rather than predatory behavior. He described Saunders as a man who believed his actions stemmed from love, not lust, and insisted that both parties were willing participants. The defense also highlighted Saunders’ personal difficulties, noting that he had experienced business problems since his initial court appearance and had recently declared bankruptcy. It was also revealed that Saunders was now in a new relationship and planned to marry his partner next year.

However, the judge, Recorder Bullen, was clear in his judgment. He stated, “It goes without saying that you were both willing participants, but the law is there to protect children. I find your actions very manipulative as when her parents disapproved of the relationship, you gave her another mobile to contact you. Also insisting she had to come on to you clearly shows you knew what you were doing was wrong.” The court did not impose any order for costs in this case.

Ultimately, Saunders was sentenced to six months in prison, and his name will be added to the Sex Offenders List for seven years, reflecting the serious nature of his offenses and the need to protect vulnerable minors from exploitation.