MATTHEW POTTS FROM BARROW ESCAPES PRISON AFTER PREGNANT SCHOOLGIRL SCANDAL
In a case that has shocked the community of Barrow, Matthew David Potts, a 22-year-old resident of Robert Street, narrowly avoided a custodial sentence after admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16, which resulted in her pregnancy.Potts was arrested by local authorities following the girl’s disclosure to her school that she was pregnant.
The incident prompted a court hearing at Barrow Crown Court on Tuesday, January 9, where the defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a minor under 16.
During the proceedings, Barbara Webster, representing Potts, highlighted the defendant’s mental health condition, stating, “He suffers from Asperger’s and that has clearly impacted on his thought process here.” She further explained that Potts still perceives himself as a boy and exhibits child-like mannerisms, which may have influenced his actions.
Webster also expressed remorse on behalf of her client, saying, “He admits he still feels like a boy and has a lot of child-like mannerisms.
He accepts his feelings about the victim were wrong and he is very ashamed about it.” Additionally, she revealed that Potts struggles with a drug problem, specifically a daily use of cannabis, which may have contributed to his behavior.
The defense emphasized Potts’s vulnerability due to his Asperger’s syndrome, arguing that an immediate prison sentence would be extremely traumatic for him.
Judge Jonathan Gibson acknowledged the seriousness of the offense but opted for a more lenient approach, sentencing Potts to a three-year community order to run concurrently for both charges.
In his remarks, Judge Gibson underscored the importance of protecting minors from sexual exploitation, stating, “The offence is designed to protect those under 16 from having sexual intercourse and, while this was consensual, those under 16 have to be protected from what they may regret at a later age.” The ruling reflects the court’s recognition of the complex circumstances surrounding the case, balancing the need for justice with the defendant’s mental health considerations.
