Woman cleared of murder for killing rapist saying ‘somebody had to protect the public’

A woman felt she was doing the world a favor by killing a serial rapist.

32-year-old Sarah Sands of the United Kingdom, has been acquitted of murder charges after killing a convicted pedophile.

She told the court that “someone had to protect the people.”

A jury found Sands not guilty of murder, but she was found guilty of manslaughter due to loss of control. 

Sands, who was drunk at the time, killed 77-year-old Michael Pleasted during a confrontation at his home. 

Pleasted had a record of sexual abuse dating back to the 1970s. He was convicted of 24 sex offenses, all involving children. The longest sentence he received was six years in prison.

However, he did not change his ways. Pleasted was recently arrested for two counts of sexual abuse. 

After bail was granted, he returned home while awaiting his trial.

Sands, who felt that the police were not properly protecting the public from Pleasted, decided to take matters into her own hands.

A drunk Sands confronted Pleasted. She repeatedly stabbed him and fled the scene, leaving him bleeding. 

Sands turned herself into the Metropolitan Police the next day and confessed to the crime.