MAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH UNDERAGE GIRL
A man from Chard has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of engaging in a sexual relationship with a teenage girl.Shean Saunders, residing on Combe Street in Chard, was found guilty at Taunton Crown Court on Friday of three counts of sexual assault involving a girl aged between 13 and 15.
The court was informed that Saunders, aged 39, had a relationship with the girl, who cannot be identified publicly due to legal restrictions, starting when she was only 14 years old.
The relationship began as a friendship but later became sexual.
Recorder Collins stated that while the acts were technically consensual, they were morally and legally wrong.
Prosecutor Tara Woolfe explained that the girl was vulnerable, suffering from low self-esteem and experiencing bullying at school.
Saunders had recently separated from his wife and children when he met her.
He would hug and kiss her in private, which eventually escalated to sexual intercourse.
Woolfe remarked that the girl felt flattered and wanted to be close to him.
Despite her consent, the large age gap—Saunders being twice her age—made the relationship particularly inappropriate.
The girl told police that their sexual encounters happened nearly daily over more than a year.
Woolfe added that Saunders would often follow her everywhere, almost like a shadow.
Defense lawyer Harry Ahuja argued that Saunders did not intentionally pursue her for sex and that he had learning difficulties.
He pointed out that their conversations on social media were minimal.
Recorder Collins condemned Saunders’ actions, emphasising that engaging in a sexual relationship with someone so young was unacceptable.
She emphasised Saunders’ inability to comprehend the implications of their age difference or his own actions, noting a lack of remorse.
Saunders was ordered to serve four years and will be added to the sex offenders register.
The court is also considering whether to impose a sex prevention order against him.
