ROBERT POTTER'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN BRADFORD AND TUNBRIDGE WELLS REVEALED

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Bradford and Tunbridge Wells, Robert Potter, a man with a history of working with children, now faces serious legal repercussions for his breaches of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).

Originally residing on Little Horton Lane in Bradford, Potter, aged 33, has a troubling past that includes a conviction four years prior for child pornography offences. His current legal troubles stem from his admission in Bradford Crown Court to violating the restrictions imposed on him by the SOPO, which was originally issued at Maidstone Crown Court on September 28, 2007.

During the court proceedings, Potter pleaded guilty to four separate charges of breaching the order by being in the company of a child under the age of 16. These breaches are particularly concerning given his previous convictions and the nature of his past work involving children. The court also considered two additional allegations against him, which involved possessing a laptop and an iPad capable of downloading internet material. The prosecution was granted a week to decide whether to proceed with these further charges.

Robert Potter’s background includes work as a children’s entertainer under the alias DJ Robbie, where he performed at children’s parties. He also worked on cruise ships as a children's entertainer and was involved in youth training programs at Charlton Athletic football club. His past was marred by a 2007 conviction when he was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison after police discovered more than 250 indecent images of children on his computer. This incident was a result of a computer he had sold to a friend, who later found the images while browsing the device.

In October 2007, Potter’s criminal activities came to light when he was convicted of child pornography offences at Maidstone Crown Court. The court heard that he had been involved in creating and storing indecent images of children since 2003. A total of 254 images and two video clips were found on his computer. The discovery was made after Potter sold the computer to a friend, who then found search terms related to pre-teen boys, prompting further investigation.

Initially, Potter claimed ignorance about the images, describing the situation as “sick,” but later admitted to viewing the images out of curiosity and intrigue. He also asked his friend to delete the material and requested that he not report the matter to the police. Despite these pleas, the police intervened, seizing both his laptop and desktop computer during a search of his home. During the search, officers also found a photograph of naked boys, which Potter attempted to hide.

At the time of his arrest, Potter claimed that the images were downloaded for academic purposes, specifically for a youth and community studies degree he was pursuing at Greenwich University. His extensive involvement in youth work, including providing services at children’s parties, working as a youth trainer, and participating in a life-saving course with St John Ambulance, painted a picture of a man deeply engaged in activities with children.

His employment history also includes working on P&O cruises as a children’s entertainer and at various schools. There were claims that he was running a children’s disco, further emphasizing his active contact with young children. Prosecutor Peter Forbes highlighted the ongoing concern about Potter’s associations with minors, stating, “There is plainly a history and, on the face of it, continued evidence of associating with young children.”

Defense counsel Tom Stern argued that Potter should not face jail time, suggesting instead that he be given a community punishment. He emphasized Potter’s contributions to youth work over the years and his academic achievements, including a degree in youth and community work, which he believed could be better addressed through rehabilitative programs rather than incarceration. However, given the gravity of his offences and breaches, the court’s decision remains pending on the additional charges and the appropriate sentence for his current violations.