Senior Devon and Cornwall Police officer denies sexually assaulting woman
48-year-old Temporary Superintendent Robert James Saunders appeared before Plymouth Magistrates Court today (30 September)
A senior Devon and Cornwall police officer has denied the sexual assault of a woman.
Temporary Superintendent Robert James Saunders, known as Jim, appeared before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.
The 48-year-old officer spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and enter his not guilty plea.
The charge alleges that on June 10 2022 in Exeter he “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.”
District Judge Angela Brereton declined jurisdiction and sent the case to the crown court for trial.
Saunders, who was released on unconditional bail, was told to next appear before Taunton Crown Court, sitting in Worle, on November 2.
Devon and Cornwall Police said Saunders, of Bodmin, Cornwall, was currently suspended.