Description
A rapist who fled the country in a futile attempt to avoid justice has been jailed.
Craig Saunders was reported to Nottinghamshire Police in November 2020 after his teenage victim confided in a teacher at her school.
Saunders denied any wrongdoing, even when presented with damning forensic evidence during a follow-up interview with detectives.
Now aged 39, Saunders was due to stand trial in September of this year, but fled the country while on bail.
After failing to sign in at a police station as required, he flew to Turkey on 6 September on a return ticket.
When he failed to return as planned ten days later, it was discovered he had travelled on to Lanzarote via Zurich, showing a clear intent to evade capture.
With support from Spain’s Guardia Civil and the National Crime Agency (NCA), Saunders was arrested and held in custody pending his extradition back to the UK.
Following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court held in his absence, Saunders — now of HMP Nottingham — was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.
All offences occurred in Nottinghamshire.
Appearing at the same court on Friday 18 October, he was sentenced to ten years and six months in prison.
He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will severely restrict his interactions with young women upon release.
Detective Constable Kerry Stringer, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
"Saunders' behaviour showed a callous disregard not only for his victim, but also for the wider legal process.
“Whilst the Jury were not told of the reason for his absence, the evidence available to them enabled them to convict him of his crimes.
“As this case concludes, I am full of admiration for the victim’s courage in coming forward and reporting what happened.
"I am also grateful to our international partners for their collaboration in tracking Saunders and facilitating his return so quickly.
"Finally, I would like to appeal directly to all victims of these kind of offences to come forward and tell us about them.
"We know it can be a daunting prospect for people, but we will do whatever we can to support them and investigate the reports they make."