Senior Devon and Cornwall Police officer to stand trial accused of sexual assault
Temporary Superintendent Robert James Saunders, known as Jim, denies the sexual assault of a woman
A senior Devon and Cornwall police officer is set to stand trial in 2028 after denying sexually assaulting a woman.
Temporary Superintendent Robert James Saunders, known as Jim, appeared at Taunton Crown Court today (2 November) where he spoke only to confirm his date of birth and enter his not guilty plea.
The charge alleges that on June 10 2022 in Exeter the 48-year-old “intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that touching was sexual when she did not consent and you did not reasonably believe that she was consenting”.
Judge Anna Richardson has scheduled a six-day trial to start on 21st February 2028, with a pre-trial review set for 24th January 2028.
Saunders, from Bodmin in Cornwall, has been released on unconditional bail.
Devon and Cornwall Police said Saunders was currently suspended from the force.