MICHAEL POTTS SENTENCED IN FIFE FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST TEENAGERS

Michael Potts, a 38-year-old resident of Fife, has been sentenced after being convicted of sexually assaulting two teenage girls. The court heard that he repeatedly abused a 14-year-old girl between October 2019 and January 2020, engaging in acts such as inappropriate touching, removing her clothing, and performing sex acts. In addition, Potts was found guilty of assaulting a 16-year-old girl on two occasions from May to July 2019, involving similar misconduct including sexual touching and making inappropriate remarks. These crimes came to light after messages sent to the younger victim were discovered.

The sentencing took place at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, where Sheriff Susan Duff addressed the seriousness of Potts’ actions against vulnerable minors. She commented, “The offences you committed were against vulnerable children. It’s truly concerning that by October 1, 2019, you had turned your attention to the younger child. You have done untold damage to the lives of people directly and many more indirectly.”

Potts was sentenced to 42 months in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. Sheriff Duff noted that although Potts had no prior convictions for sexual offences and was considered to have previously had good character, the severity of his crimes warranted a custodial sentence. She declared, “The only appropriate sentence is a custodial one.” During the court proceedings, his defense solicitor acknowledged concerns about his mental health and the potential risks he poses to society.