KRISTOPHER POTTS OF WALLSEND SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF YOUNG GIRL IN NEWCASTLE

In December 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Kristopher Potts, a bus driver from Wallsend, who was convicted of subjecting a young girl to a prolonged campaign of sexual assault. The heinous acts, which began when the girl was just 12 years old, have left her profoundly traumatized and scarred for life.

Potts, who was employed by Stagecoach, repeatedly raped the girl over a period of time, with the assaults culminating in a violent incident that prompted her to finally confide in her mother. The victim revealed that during one of the rapes, Potts became aggressive and physically violent, tightening his hand around her neck in a manner that made her feel as though she could not breathe. This act of violence was the turning point that compelled her to disclose the abuse to her family.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Potts, aged 29, pleaded guilty to eleven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The court heard the harrowing details of the case, including the victim’s emotional testimony. In a statement read aloud in court, she expressed the profound impact the abuse had on her: “You have taken away some of my childhood and caused me horrendous flashbacks and panic attacks that scare me. I feel you have caused me everlasting harm mentally. I can’t handle my emotions, it’s all too much. Knowing I have kept other people safe from someone so disgusting and vile makes me feel a little bit better.”

Her mother also delivered a heartfelt victim statement, describing the devastating effect the abuse had on her family. She said, “My life was destroyed and at this moment I can’t see it ever recovering. Seeing her panic even though she knows you can never harm her again.” She added, “I cry myself to sleep because I can’t bear to think about the horrendous physical assaults she has had inflicted on her.”

The court was informed that the girl had confided in a school friend about the abuse, and her friend had repeatedly urged her to tell her mother. It was only after the violent incident that she finally summoned the courage to report the abuse.

Prosecutor David Lamb described the severity of the case, stating, “He was violent towards her, he put his hand around her neck. She said it felt horrible, she couldn’t breathe. He had a really tight hold of her neck.”

Judge sentenced Kristopher Potts, of Station Road, Wallsend, to 14 years in prison. Additionally, he was given an extended license period of one year, ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, and was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order. He was also barred from working with children and was issued a restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim or her family.

This case highlights the devastating impact of sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims, especially those as young and vulnerable as the girl involved in this tragic case in Newcastle.