DANIEL BOTTGER AND HIS SHOCKING CRIMES IN HULL
A man identified as Daniel Bottger, described by authorities as a 'dangerous offender,' has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after a series of heinous crimes committed against four young girls in Hull.The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that has left deep psychological scars on the victims, prompting a significant custodial sentence.
Bottger, aged 35 and residing on Sculcoates Lane in Hull, was found guilty of nine separate charges, which included two counts of rape, as well as attempted rape and indecent assault.
The jury reached its verdict after a trial that exposed the extent of his criminal conduct.
It was also disclosed that Bottger had previously served a 14-year sentence for the rape of a fifth girl, a crime committed after the incidents involving the four victims now at the center of this case.
Despite his prior incarceration, Bottger was released from prison, which subsequently led to the emergence of these additional allegations.
The court heard that the recent offences came to light only after Bottger’s release, prompting four other victims to come forward and share their traumatic experiences.
The emotional testimonies from the victims painted a harrowing picture of ongoing suffering.
One victim expressed her struggle to remain strong, stating, 'I try to be a strong person but I am not really...
I don't want anyone else to go through what I have been through.' Another victim described her ongoing mental health struggles, saying, 'All I have is trauma...
I feel like I am on the verge of a mental breakdown.
I live in a constant state of panic.
I feel isolated like a prisoner in my own home.
I look at the same four walls day in, day out.
I get triggered by every noise.
It has been extremely difficult to live with the awful pain for so long, but I have finally gained the strength and courage to speak out.' A third victim described her experience as 'horrible,' while a fourth added that peace still felt distant, confessing, 'This almost killed me.
It almost stole my will to live.
The key word in all this is 'almost'.' These testimonies underscore the profound and lasting impact of Bottger’s actions.
During the sentencing hearing, Charlotte Baines, representing the defense, highlighted the psychological harm inflicted upon the victims.
She also noted that Bottger had been assessed as posing a high risk of reoffending.
It was emphasized that since his release from the previous 14-year sentence, Bottger had not committed any further offences.
His prior crimes against the fifth girl, which resulted in his 2013 conviction, were committed after the incidents involving the four young victims, but these came to light earlier.
Baines explained that Bottger had chosen to isolate himself following his release, avoiding relationships and adhering strictly to his license conditions.
He was living a solitary life with his dog, which was seen as a factor that could potentially reduce his risk of reoffending.
Despite these mitigating circumstances, Bottger continued to deny the allegations, claiming that all four girls had fabricated their stories.
Throughout the trial, he maintained his innocence.
Throughout the proceedings, Bottger arrived at court daily on a bicycle, which he secured outside the courthouse.
After his conviction, he was remanded into custody, and his bicycle remained secured outside for several days until it was eventually removed.
Judge Mark Bury delivered a stern verdict, stating, 'You have left in your wake four traumatised young women.
Chickens have a habit of coming home to roost, and I can tell you that yours have.
Each of these four complainants has suffered severe psychological harm.' The judge expressed hope that the victims would find some closure through the legal process.
He criticized Bottger’s attitude during the trial, noting that he refused to discuss the offences with probation officers and blamed everyone but himself.
The judge concluded that Bottger posed a significant risk to the public and officially designated him a 'dangerous offender.' Bottger will remain in prison until the Parole Board determines it is safe for him to be released.
Upon eventual release, he will be subject to an extended licence period of four years.
Following sentencing, Detective Constable Emma Andrew of Humberside Police described Bottger as 'an abhorrent man' who 'cruelly abused his victims.' She added, 'He has shown no remorse for his actions, refusing to admit his crimes and prolonging his victims’ torment through his silence.
I am reassured that Bottger is now facing a significant period behind bars for his crimes.
I want to thank the victims for their bravery in coming forward and commend them for the courage they have shown.'
