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David Saunders convicted as schoolgirl rapist on evidence from a single sperm

10:00, 10 May 2016

updated: 10:15, 10 May 2016

A Margate man, who raped a young schoolgirl after she had gone out Trick Or Treating, was trapped... by a single sperm.

David Saunders, 22, refused to admit attacking the child when he was confronted or later questioned by police.

But a judge at Canterbury Crown Court heard how he admitted his guilt after hearing of the scientific evidence.

The case was heard at Canterbury Crown Court
The case was heard at Canterbury Crown Court

Now Saunders, of All Saints Avenue, Margate has been jailed for eight years after Judge Heather Norton told him: “There doesn’t seem to be any remorse because you tried to put the blame on the child and tried to make out that you were the victim rather than her.”

Prosecutor Andrew Espley said the attack happened after the girl had been out Trick Or Treating in the Folkestone area.

After she reported the incident, Saunders denied anything had happened, accusing the victim of making it up.

But forensic scientists were able to find Saunders’ DNA on a single sperm after examining all the clothes.

Simon Taylor, defending, said Saunders suffers from a number of psychological problems.

Judge Heather Norton is presiding over the case
Judge Heather Norton is presiding over the case

“After being confronted, he came up with a story that was just nonsense. He is clearly a man with problems and someone who needs to get a grip of his life.

“He is an isolated and immature person and committed this dreadful act but he is not a cunning manipulator.”

Judge Norton said that during the rape the victim was “scared” and pleaded with him to stop – but he wouldn’t listen.”

Saunders was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register and was made subject to a Sexual harm Prevention Order which prevents him living in a house where children are or working with children.

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