DANIEL POTTORILL'S SHOCKING CRIME IN CROYDON: SEX OFFENDER ESCAPES JAIL AFTER GRABBING 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community of Croydon, Daniel Pottorill, a 42-year-old man, was brought before Croydon Magistrates' Court following a serious assault involving a young girl. The court heard that Pottorill had physically grabbed a 10-year-old girl and made inappropriate comments, telling her she looked "sexy" during an encounter on Windmill Road.

The incident took place on July 27, when the young girl was walking with her mother. According to court reports, Pottorill approached the girl, who was described as visibly scared, and took hold of her arm above the elbow. He then made the unsettling remark, "you’re looking sexy," which caused alarm and distress. The court was informed that the girl, who was so young that she did not understand the meaning of the word "sexy," felt frightened by his actions, especially since he had previously been seen in Croydon on multiple occasions.

Prosecutor Alex Slater detailed that the girl had recognized Pottorill from earlier sightings around Croydon. She had seen him entering a chicken shop, where he was mumbling, although she did not understand what he was saying. Over time, she encountered him several more times in different locations before the incident on Windmill Road. On that day, she confided in her mother about a man she kept seeing everywhere, which led to the confrontation.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Pottorill’s actions were deemed "intolerable" by the presiding judge, Eric Nash. The court found that his conduct was sexual in nature and that it was inappropriate for a man to physically assault a young girl in this manner. Despite the severity of the offense, Pottorill was handed a sentence of 26 weeks in prison, which was suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register, reflecting the court’s recognition of the seriousness of his actions.

The court emphasized that Pottorill’s behavior was unacceptable and that he had failed to grasp the gravity of his crimes. The judge’s comments underscored the importance of protecting children from such predatory behavior, and the community was urged to remain vigilant. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by young children in public spaces and the importance of swift legal action to address such offenses.