Man sentenced for arranging child sex offence
Damien Saunders from Pewsey was handed two years behind bars
A man has been sentenced for facilitating the sexual assault of a child.
Damien Saunders, who is 40 years old and from Meadow Court, was sentenced to two years in prison at Swindon Crown Court yesterday (4 November).
He will also be on the sex offenders register for ten years after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing for arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offence.
In the case, the court heart that between April and July this year, Saunders intentionally arranged or facilitated an act which would involve the commission of an offence under section 9 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, namely sexual activity with a child.
Investigating Officer Trainee Detective Constable Daniel Smith said: “We know that it can be daunting to report incidents of sexual abuse, but I want to reassure the public or anyone affected that we take all reports of this nature incredibly seriously.
“Victims and survivors of sexual exploitation are at the centre of any investigations we take on and it is essential that it progresses at a speed which they are comfortable with, to ensure that they feel wholly supported throughout.
“Our message will always be that we’re ready when they are, that they’ll be listened to, and that they’ll be taken seriously.”
Saunders was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years and has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
If you suspect a person of carrying out child sexual exploitation, or think someone you know has been a victim, or may be soon, visit the police website or call their non-emergency number 101.
If someone is in immediate danger of harm, call 999 now.
For help and support, click here.