PAUL SANDER FROM CHERTSEY SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND UPSKIRTING IN SURREY

A man named Paul Sander, aged 61 and residing in Chertsey, has been handed down a substantial prison sentence of 18 years after admitting to a series of serious sexual offences involving minors. The sentencing took place at Guildford Crown Court on Monday, 17 February, following Sander's guilty plea to ten separate charges related to his criminal conduct.

Among the charges were two counts of sexual assault against a child under the age of 13 by penetration, and three counts of sexual assault against a child under 13 through physical contact. Additionally, Sander pleaded guilty to one count of indecent assault involving a minor under 16, as well as two counts of voyeurism. He was also convicted of outraging public decency and taking indecent photographs of a child. These offences spanned over a period of three years, during which Sander engaged in multiple sexual assaults on a young child aged between four and seven. During these assaults, he reportedly told the victim, “Don’t tell anyone about this,” in an effort to conceal his actions and prevent the victim from seeking help.

In a separate incident, Sander indecently assaulted a 14-year-old girl, further highlighting the extent of his predatory behaviour. A forensic examination of Sander’s mobile phone revealed a disturbing collection of over 500 images and videos depicting upskirting of women, taken covertly between June 2015 and April 2019. The investigation also uncovered additional indecent images, including a Category C image of a child and photographs of a 17-year-old girl taken without their knowledge or consent. These images further underscore the malicious and invasive nature of Sander’s crimes.

Detective Sergeant Alastair Bagshaw commented on the case, stating, “Paul Sander is a dangerous sexual predator and I am pleased that this was recognised in the lengthy, and type of, sentence that he has received. Because of this, he will not be eligible to apply for release for ten years and even then, only if the Parole Board considers him safe to do so.” He also expressed admiration for the victims’ bravery, saying, “I cannot emphasise enough how much admiration I have for the strength that Sander’s victims have shown in coming forward and talking about the horrific experiences that they had to endure. It is thanks to their bravery that he is now no longer a risk to other children.”

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts of Surrey Police to protect vulnerable individuals and bring offenders like Sander to justice. The community of Chertsey and the wider Surrey area can find some reassurance in the fact that such dangerous individuals are being held accountable for their actions, and that the justice system is committed to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.