Robert Saunders tells media aggravated indecent assault of boy just ‘just one of those things’

A holiday park resident has pleaded guilty to the aggravated indecent assault of a young boy, giving a shocking reason for his offending outside court.

A caravan park resident has pleaded guilty to the indecent assault of a seven-year-old boy, telling media outside court his offending was “just one of those things”.

Robert Saunders, 73, of Aldinga Beach pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated indecent assault in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The court heard the charge was aggravated because of the young age of the boy.

After he pleaded guilty, a prosecutor withdrew a charge of gross indecency.

The incident occurred on August 24 last year at Sellicks Beach, just days after the popular holiday park where he was living – Aldinga Beach Holiday Park – confirmed its closure.

Robert Saunders leaves the Adelaide Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to a charge of aggravated indecent assault against a 7-year-old boy. Picture: Supplied.

As he left court in his wheelchair, Saunders apologised for his actions.

“Definitely, apologise to the parent and the child that’s all I’ve got to say,” he said.

When asked what he was thinking at the time of the incident he said: “I’ve got no idea”.

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

He said he could not go into further detail about his offending.

Saunders was arrested the day after his arrest at the holiday park and was granted release on bail.

His bail conditions prevented him from returning to the park, which was known for hosting groups of schoolchildren.

It is not suggested the park had any involvement in the incident.

Saunders is next expected to appear in the District Court for arraignment in March. A date will then be set for the sentencing process to begin.