A MAN who violently assaulted two people inside a church in Dudley has been sentenced to nine years and 7 months, West Midlands Police report.
The man, James Saunders, 39, of Stourbridge Road, Dudley, pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 13 September to false imprisonment, assault by beating, and two counts of criminal damage to property.
On 14 November 2023, Saunders had prevented a girl from leaving Holy Trinity, Amblecote, a police statement said.
“The two talked for a short while although Saunders began rambling and never making sense. Saunders began making threats to kill the lady before launching his assault, knocking her to the ground and causing her to hit her head.
“The ordeal continued for some hours before the Vicar of the church arrived and asked what was happening. At this point Saunders attacked him, punching him and smashing up his cell phone. He made more threats to kill each of them before officers arrived.”
The police had been called by a member of the general public who had change into concerned that the door to the church had been barred, the police report.
Saunders was arrested and charged. Det. Sgt Nadia Cooper said: “This sentence has taken a highly dangerous individual off our streets, and we hope the people he assaulted will find some closure knowing he has been jailed.”
The Archdeacon of Dudley, within the diocese of Worcester, the Ven. Nikki Groarke, said: “This was a really traumatic experience for those involved, and we’re grateful to the police for resolving the situation and apprehending the offender.
“Thankfully, attacks in churches are relatively rare, and it will be important that they proceed to be a spot of safety for our clergy, volunteers, and all those that visit.
“If anyone is feeling anxious, then our church buildings team and other parish support staff are all the time willing to speak through appropriate security measures.”
