WILLIAM POTTER'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN EAST KILBRIDE: VICTIMS' COURAGE AND JUSTICE DELAYED

In November 2011, the community of East Kilbride was shaken by the release of William Potter, a man convicted of heinous crimes against young girls. Potter, who had served six years of a nine-year sentence, was released from prison, sparking mixed reactions among the local residents and the victims involved.

One of Potter’s victims, Nicole Campbell, a brave young woman now actively involved in supporting other survivors of sexual assault, expressed her feelings about his release. Nicole, who was only 14 years old when she was assaulted by Potter at his former residence on Fleming Place in The Murray, shared her perspective with the News. She stated, “I am not worried about me. I am a grown-up now and well able to take care of myself. But I do worry for other vulnerable young girls. I only hope he has learned a lesson.”

Nicole, originally from Westwood, is currently pursuing a business course at South Lanarkshire College and aspires to attend university to study law. Her ultimate goal is to become a criminal lawyer working alongside the Crown Prosecution Service. Her ordeal began in 2004 when she was lured to Potter’s house by his son, only to wake up to find Potter on top of her, raping her in the early hours. Two months prior, Potter had also raped a 15-year-old girl, further highlighting his predatory behavior.

Both girls testified at Potter’s trial, recounting how they had gone to his house at the invitation of his son and had been assaulted while they were asleep. Nicole’s parents, Annmarie and Dougie Campbell, were devastated to discover that there was no immediate counseling available for their daughter. They learned that support services were primarily designed for adult victims and only accessible after court proceedings concluded. This realization motivated Annmarie Campbell and Nicole to establish SAVI – the Sexual Assault Victims Initiative. Nicole became one of the first counselors for the organization, dedicating herself to helping others.

In her efforts to raise awareness, Nicole chose to waive her right to anonymity as a rape victim, emphasizing the importance of speaking out. She explained, “It is a good way to show other victims they can come through the other side and that it is not the end of the world. You can fight on to become a survivor. You should not be scared to come forward and ask for help.”

Her courage and commitment to supporting victims earned Nicole the prestigious Ultimate Survivor Award from Cosmopolitan magazine, recognizing her resilience and advocacy.

Looking back at the earlier legal proceedings, in December 2005, William Potter, then 47 years old, was sentenced to nine years in prison for his crimes. The court heard how Potter exploited two schoolgirls, aged 14 and 15, after they had consumed alcohol and were vulnerable. The incidents occurred at Potter’s home in East Kilbride, where his son Antony, aged 19, had brought the girls. During two separate episodes within less than two months, the girls awoke to find Potter assaulting them.

Evidence presented at trial revealed that Potter had also purchased a black bra and thong for one of the girls, who refused to model the lingerie just hours before she was raped. Despite Potter’s claims that the girls were lying, the jury found him guilty of raping the 15-year-old while she was intoxicated on May 15 of the previous year, and of raping the younger girl under similar circumstances on July 3.

Potter’s defense argued that he was innocent, with his solicitor advocate, Murray MacAra, stating, “His attitude remains as it did at the trial. He denies involvement in these offences and he gave evidence to that effect.” However, the judge, Lord Bracadale, condemned Potter’s actions, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victims. He stated, “These were friends of your son and staying as guests in your house. They were drunk and vulnerable and you took advantage of the situation to rape each of them.”

As Potter begins his new chapter outside prison walls, the community and the victims continue to grapple with the impact of his crimes, while advocates like Nicole Campbell stand as a testament to resilience and the ongoing fight for justice and support for survivors of sexual violence.