WARREN POTTS SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN FENTON FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST GIRLS UNDER 16

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Fenton, Warren Potts, a 38-year-old man from Stanier Street, was handed a substantial prison sentence of 15 years following his conviction for a series of heinous sexual offences committed over a decade. The crimes involved four young girls, all under the age of 16, with the youngest victims being just 10 years old at the time of their assault.

Potts’s disturbing pattern of abuse spanned ten years, during which he targeted multiple victims, ranging in age from 12 to 15. The court heard that his actions included indecent assaults, attempted and completed acts of sexual violence, and grooming behaviors that left lasting psychological scars on his victims. Despite the gravity of his crimes, Potts’s family has publicly expressed their support for him. However, they have also faced severe repercussions, including verbal threats and acts of vandalism directed at their property, which ultimately forced them to relocate from their home in Fenton.

At Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Potts faced seven charges, including one count of rape, two counts of indecent assault, indecency with a child, and three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The jury found him guilty in July, but during the sentencing hearing, his barrister, Anis Ali, revealed that Potts was struggling to accept the verdict. Ali stated that his client maintained his innocence and did not agree with the evidence presented during the trial. He also highlighted the profound impact the case had on Potts’s family, describing how they had endured significant hardship, including verbal abuse, threats, and criminal damage to their property, which led them to move away from Fenton.

Judge Paul Glenn addressed the court, emphasizing the severe psychological harm inflicted upon the victims. The first victim, who was approximately 10 or 11 years old at the time, was indecently assaulted by Potts, who coerced her into touching him and warned her not to tell anyone, asserting that no one would believe her if she did. The judge expressed sadness over her testimony, noting her self-blame for not reporting the abuse earlier.

The second victim, aged 12, was forced into a sexual act on a settee by Potts, who threatened to kill her if she disclosed the assault. The third victim, aged 15, was subjected to repeated advances; she managed to persuade him to stop initially, but the following day, he continued to pursue her, asking for a sex act and touching her inappropriately. The court also heard about a fourth victim, whom Potts had groomed, with his actions affecting her mental health for many years.

Judge Glenn underscored the high risk Potts posed to young females, stating that his pattern of offending demonstrated a clear and ongoing danger. The court sentenced him to a total of 15 years in prison, with a significant portion—10 years—specifically for the count of rape. Additionally, Potts was disqualified from working with children, placed on the barred list maintained by the Independent Safeguard Authority, and mandated to keep authorities informed of his whereabouts. It was noted that Potts had already served 42 days on remand, which would be deducted from his overall sentence. The judge concluded by condemning the seriousness of the offences, emphasizing that only a custodial sentence could adequately reflect the gravity of his crimes.