A 63-year-old man who took a woman back to his van after meeting her in a Shoreham pub and subjected her to attempted rape and serious sexual assaults has received an immediate custodial sentence of eight and a half years at Lewes Crown Court.
Michael Schuchard appeared in the dock for sentence on Thursday 5 November 2026 following a Crown Court trial into offences investigated by Sussex Police.
The prosecution outlined that Schuchard encountered the female victim inside a pub in Shoreham before taking her back to his parked van. The court heard that the victim had no recollection of how she came to be transported to the vehicle, subsequently waking up inside the van where Schuchard attempted to rape her and subjected her to penetrative sexual assaults.
Following the incident, the victim sought medical assistance and bravely disclosed what had occurred to NHS staff. Health professionals alerted authorities, prompting Sussex Police to launch a comprehensive criminal investigation.
Officers arrested Schuchard and provided the complainant with dedicated safeguarding support from specially trained sexual offence liaison officers throughout the inquiry and judicial process.
Schuchard denied the allegations and stood trial at Lewes Crown Court. At the conclusion of the trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts on three counts while acquitting him on a fourth:
One count of attempted rape (guilty)
Two counts of sexual assault by penetration (guilty)
One count of rape (not guilty)
Under the provisions of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, the victim in this case is protected by mandatory, lifelong statutory anonymity. Any publication, broadcast, or public dissemination of information capable of leading to her identification is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Sentencing Schuchard at Lewes Crown Court on 5 November, the presiding judge highlighted the severe vulnerability of the victim and the predatory nature of the assault committed inside the isolated vehicle, determining that a substantial custodial term was necessary to protect the public.
The judge sentenced Schuchard to eight years and six months’ immediate imprisonment.
In addition to his prison sentence, Schuchard will remain subject to lifelong notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register, alongside strict post-release public protection licence conditions.
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