ALAN POTTER FROM GLEN PARVA JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE OFFENSES AT LEICESTER CROWN COURT

In a serious case that has once again brought attention to the dangers of internet-based child exploitation, 77-year-old Alan Potter from Glen Parva has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for possessing indecent images of children. This conviction marks his second prosecution related to such offenses, highlighting a troubling pattern of behavior that has persisted over several years.

Potter’s criminal history with regard to child abuse images dates back to 2010, when he was given a 12-week suspended sentence. At that time, he was also subjected to a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which prohibited him from possessing computers or internet accounts without prior notification to the police. This order was intended to monitor and prevent further offenses, but unfortunately, it was not enough to deter his subsequent actions.

According to court records, Potter admitted to downloading three indecent images of children between September 9, 2013, and January of the following year. In addition to this, he pleaded guilty to breaching the terms of the SOPO on three separate occasions, specifically between May 2011 and January last year. These breaches involved covertly maintaining a laptop equipped with software designed to erase traces of illegal content, as well as keeping a broadband account without registering it with Leicestershire Police. These actions demonstrated a clear intent to conceal his activities and continue his illegal pursuits.

During the proceedings at Leicester Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Dean QC addressed the court and expressed his concerns about Potter’s conduct. The judge acknowledged a heartfelt letter from Potter’s daughter, which revealed her love and concern for him. However, the judge emphasized that Potter’s actions had profoundly disappointed his family and betrayed their trust.

Judge Dean pointed out that, despite the previous SOPO, Potter had deliberately violated its terms shortly after it was imposed. The judge stated, “You acquired computer equipment and a broadband account primarily because you wanted to pursue your sexual interest in children. You acquired sophisticated deletion software to cover your tracks and you lied to the police about your acquisition of a computer.” The court noted that Potter was regularly accessing child pornography sites, although he was only sentenced for three images that had not been deleted.

As a result of his repeated offenses, the judge imposed a lifelong SOPO, which will restrict Potter’s future use of computers and internet access. The police will monitor his activities to ensure compliance with the order. Prosecutor Alan Murphy revealed that, following Potter’s 2010 conviction, he was considered a “low risk,” and police only visited him once a year. However, during the current investigation, authorities discovered his laptop, which contained three illegal images. Further examination revealed that Potter had installed two programs designed to delete material and search history, both of which had been used to wipe content just a week prior to his arrest.

Vasanti Vaitha, representing the defense, acknowledged that these offenses were aggravated by Potter’s previous conviction. She also stated that Potter was willing to seek assistance from relevant agencies to address his offending behavior, indicating some level of remorse and a desire to change. Nonetheless, the court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such crimes are regarded, especially given the repeated nature of Potter’s violations and the potential harm caused by his actions.