JOHN POTTS FROM BRANSHOLME SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ASSAULT IN SUTTON AND BRANSHOLME

In January 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded involving a 12-year-old girl in the areas of Bransholme and Sutton, which would later lead to the arrest and detention of John Potts, a man with a troubling history. The young girl was on her way to visit friends or relatives when she was unexpectedly accosted by Potts, who was then 71 years old. According to her account, Potts forcibly pulled her from her bicycle and dragged her into nearby bushes, initiating a terrifying ordeal that would leave a lasting impact.

During the attack, Potts told the girl, "You’re going in the park to do rude things," before proceeding to sexually assault her. He pulled down her trousers and then went down on his knees, engaging in repeated sexual acts against her will. The girl, overwhelmed with fear, desperately tried to resist, but Potts continued his assault. Fortunately, her cries for help were heard by passers-by, who intervened just in time to save her from further harm.

The young victim later recounted to police that Potts had been "itching his bum and put his hand over my mouth and it had p** on it. It was on his fingers and it smelt of dog s***." Her detailed description and the forensic evidence collected from her underwear strongly indicated that Potts was the source of the biological material, making it 'a billion times more likely' that he was responsible rather than any unrelated individual.

Following the rescue, the girl was taken to safety, and police were alerted. During the investigation, a witness, a man who had come across the scene, confronted Potts and warned him, saying, "You’re dead, you’re dead. She’s a 12-year-old girl," and threatened to call the police. Another woman, witnessing what appeared to be a scuffle in the bushes, turned her car around and approached the scene, offering comfort to the girl and helping to contain Potts until authorities arrived.

Potts was promptly arrested and taken into custody. At the time of the incident, he was found to be suffering from dementia and a brain injury, which rendered him unfit to stand trial initially. He was subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act, and on November 13, he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Due to his medical condition, he was not tried in a conventional court but was instead subjected to a mental health assessment.

Today, Potts, now 72, appeared before Judge Paul Watson QC, flanked by three mental health nurses. The judge reviewed medical evidence concerning Potts’ mental state and made a decisive ruling. He stated that Potts would spend the rest of his life in a secure hospital to protect the public unless the Home Office decided otherwise. The judge emphasized that a jury had found Potts guilty of repeatedly assaulting the young girl, and given his mental health condition, he was deemed not fit to plead.

Judge Watson explained that Potts suffers from a severe mental disorder that necessitates detention under section 37 of the Mental Health Act. He also imposed a section 41 restriction, which prevents Potts’ release unless deemed appropriate by the authorities, citing the irreversible nature of his condition and the risk of further offending. The court’s decision was made to ensure public safety and to provide ongoing treatment for Potts in a secure environment.

In his remarks, the judge underscored the gravity of the crime, stating, "You were under a disability when you committed the acts, and I have to consider the limited options available. After reviewing the evidence, I believe you require detention in a hospital to prevent further harm." The court’s ruling effectively means that Potts will remain hospitalized indefinitely, with his release contingent upon the Home Office’s assessment.

This case highlights the tragic impact of unchecked mental health issues and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior. The community in Bransholme and Sutton remains shaken by the events, and authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activity to prevent similar incidents in the future.