Robert ‘Bob’ Saunders publicly waves off his child abuse crime with flippant remark

This sex offender dismissed his crimes with a flippant remark – the victim, 7, and his family say that’s only worsened their pain.

Just moments after admitting he sexually abused a seven-year-old boy, Robert “Bob” Saunders publicly waved off his crime as “just one of those things”.

For his lawyers, that was reason to seek expert neuropsychological advice – but for Saunders’ victim and his family, it was another blow to their already shattered lives.

On Tuesday, the District Court heard victim impact statements authored by the boy and his parents, who outlined their ongoing suffering.

The boy said he still “feels weird every day” at the time of day Saunders abused him, experiencing flashbacks.

“I see his face and beard in my head … I smell him, he and his car smell like two bins,” he said.

“I hear him when I hear people that speak like him … it doesn’t feel safe anywhere, any more.”

Robert Saunders. Picture: 7NEWS

The boy’s mother said Saunders groomed the entire family, earning their trust before assaulting their son.

“Saunders stripped me of my ability to protect my son … there are reminders (for him) everywhere, daily, like the phrase ‘Bob’s your uncle’ … it’s just so cruel.

“I struggle to understand how a seven-year-old boy is supposed to clear his path (in life) … Saunders’ comment was the last thing I needed to hear – no remorse shown.”

The boy’s father agreed.

“I’m angry, I’m exhausted, I’m broken, I’m unable to shake the anger I’m feeling,” he said.

“My son has 65 years to go until he’s Bob’s age, and he has a life sentence.”

Saunders, 73, of Aldinga Beach, pleaded guilty to one aggravated count of indecent assault.

His assault upon the boy occurred in August 2023, just days after the popular holiday park where he was living – Aldinga Beach Holiday Park – confirmed its closure.

In February, Saunders apologised for his actions outside court but, when asked what he had been thinking, replied: “I’ve got no idea”.

“Just one of those things … not sure, just one of those things,” he said.

On Tuesday, counsel for Saunders asked the court to adjourn the remainder of his client’s sentencing submissions hearing.

“We’re seeking to obtain a neuropsychological report to investigate the extent to which Saunders’ cognitive function is impaired,” he said.

“That will assess how, if at all, that function had a bearing on his offending, bearing in mind he is still not able to explain why he acted in the way he did.”

Judge Heath Barklay remanded Saunders in custody to face court again next month.