Man described as a “master manipulator” jailed for child sex offences across Norfolk

A man described as a “master manipulator” who sexually abused and raped children in Norfolk over almost three decades has been jailed.

Brett Saunders, 39, appeared at King's Lynn Crown Court Yesterday (May 1) where he was sentenced to a total of 21 years in prison and eight on licence.

He had previously admitted to 19 counts of rape and sexual assault against four child victims across the county, between 1995 and 2024.

Saunders was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

In impact statements read to the court his victims told of the devastating and continuing impact his abuse had on their lives.

One of his victims described him as "a master manipulator", adding: "We all fell for his lies."

Another said: "When it all came out it was like all the wounds were re-opened at the exact same moment.

"It was like I was reliving all the abuse all over again. It proved I was never ok, I was just good at hiding.

"I worry that you never really know someone. Bad people look like you and me, they don't have horns or green skin, you just don't know."

Another spoke of having their world ripped apart and being robbed of their childhood, but also of being a survivor not a victim.

Detective Constable Natalie Purcell said: “I am astounded at the bravery of the victims in this case.

"Saunders’ offending has spanned nearly 30 years and would have remained undetected had it not been for the courage of the first victim coming forward which has then given further victims the strength to also come forward.

"What Saunders has done has traumatised and torn apart the victims and their families’ lives.

"We would like to say thank you to them for coming forward to police and hope that the fact he is now behind bars will help, at least in some way, to seeing justice done.

"To anyone else who has been abused please do come forward and report it to us, no matter when it happened. You will be supported."

To report a sexual offence, call 999 in an emergency. 101 is the non-emergency police number to report a crime or you can access help and support services here.