Man jailed for attempted rape and sexual assault in Shoreham

Michael Schuchard, 63, was jailed for eight and a half years and will be a registered sex offender for life, according to Sussex Police.

A spokesperson for the force said: “At Lewes Crown Court on November 5, Schuchard was sentenced for attempted rape, and two counts of sexual assault by penetration.

"He was acquitted at trial of one count of rape.

“He met the victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, at a pub in Shoreham. The 63-year-old took the victim back to his van where he attempted to rape her, and sexually assaulted her.

“The victim could not recall how she had got to the van, and woke up inside the van before later reporting the incident to the NHS. It was reported to the police, who launched an investigation and arrested Schuchard. The victim received support from specially-trained officers.

“The court heard how the incident happened between May 22 and 23 this year. The victim was not able to consent to sexual activity, but Schuchard, of no fixed address, forced himself upon her inside his van after leaving a pub in Shoreham. She described the ongoing nightmares and trauma as a result of the incident, and said giving evidence in the trial has also added to the traumatic experience.”

Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Tia Grove said: “This was a horrifying ordeal for the victim, who reported the experience to health professionals.

“I would like to commend her for her courage to report what happened to the police and to give evidence in court.

“We were determined to get justice for the victim in this case, and Schuchard is now serving a significant custodial sentence.”

Further help and support for victims of serious sexual offences is available at: www.safespacesussex.org.uk.