DAVID ANTHONY COTTON

David Anthony Cotton, a man aged 60 from Leigh Park, has been convicted of committing 28 sexual offences over a span of more than 40 years.

The offences took place across various locations including Havant, Denmead, Southsea, Hambledon, and Chichester, involving ten different victims.

The crimes dated back to the late 1970s and continued until 2021.

Cotton has been found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court of multiple serious charges, including: seven counts of indecent assault on a male (a boy aged between 8 and 15), two counts of indecency with a child (boys aged between 8 and 10), four counts of indecency with a girl under 14, two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, inciting sexual activity with a child, sexual activity with a child, and eleven counts of sexual assault on males under 18.

The judge remanded Cotton into custody, citing him as a prolific offender and a danger to society.

He is scheduled for sentencing in January 2025.

Authorities encourage those with concerns about child abuse to contact local police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Victims or those worried about childhood abuse can also reach out to the NSPCC helpline confidentially at 0808 800 5000.

In the court's statement, the judge emphasized the severity and ongoing risk posed by Cotton, noting his long history of offending.

Cotton's crimes have caused significant harm over decades, and his conviction confirms the seriousness of his actions.