JASON POTTS FROM CLIFFE VALE ATTACKS THREE WOMEN AT STOKE-ON-TRENT BUS STOP

In June 2020, a series of horrifying assaults took place in Stoke-on-Trent, specifically targeting women at a bus stop in Hanley, with the perpetrator being identified as Jason Potts from Cliffe Vale. The sequence of events unfolded over a very short period, leaving the community shaken and authorities determined to bring the offender to justice.

It all began shortly after police responded to an incident on Bethesda Street on January 10, 2020. Officers had been called to the scene following a collision involving a cyclist and a bus. When they arrived, they found Jason Potts, aged 29, riding a bicycle and appearing intoxicated. After speaking with him, the officers allowed him to leave the scene, but he did not go far. Just a few minutes later, around 6 pm, Potts returned to the same street, where he targeted an 11-year-old girl waiting alone at a bus stop. The young girl, dressed in her school uniform, had been shopping with friends earlier and was now waiting to catch her bus home.

Prosecutors described how Potts approached her, muttering obscenities as he sat beside her. Without warning, he embraced her around the hips, causing her to squirm and try to pull away. In a violent escalation, he suddenly jumped at her, knocking her to the ground and beginning to choke her with both hands. During the assault, he tore her knickers off and made a lewd comment, saying, “come here, you sexy bitch.” Despite her brave resistance, Potts managed to climb on top of her. Fortunately, her screams attracted the attention of passers-by, who intervened and helped her escape. Potts fled the scene, leaving his bike behind.

Just fifteen minutes later, Potts returned to the same bus stop, brazenly seeking his next victim. This time, he targeted a 20-year-old woman who was a student. He began staring at her intently before grabbing her by the hair and pulling her into the middle of the street. He then attempted to strangle her, before proceeding to sexually assault her. The attack continued with him punching and kicking her, causing her to scream for help. Her cries were heard by another passer-by, who intervened and saw Potts running away into Bethesda Gardens.

The final victim was a woman in her mid-30s walking along Clough Street nearby. Potts was lying in wait behind a tree and suddenly grabbed her from behind in a chokehold. He punched her in the jaw, leaving her terrified and screaming. Once again, members of the public came to her aid, forcing Potts to flee the scene.

Following these incidents, the victims provided impact statements describing the lasting trauma they experienced. They reported suffering from flashbacks, sleepless nights, and an increased fear of going out alone. Two of the victims were able to identify Potts during an identity parade, linking him directly to the assaults.

Jason Potts, of John Smart Close, Cliffe Vale, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including false imprisonment of the 11-year-old girl, false imprisonment with intent to commit a sexual offence, assault by penetration, battery, and battery with intent to commit a sexual offence. His sentencing took place at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, where Judge Paul Glenn described his actions as targeted and violent, emphasizing that Potts sought sexual gratification through these brutal attacks. The judge also highlighted the terrifying nature of the experiences endured by the victims and labeled Potts a dangerous offender, citing the significant risk he poses to other women.

In addition to the prison sentence of ten years, Potts will be subject to a five-year extended licence period upon his release. The court also commended the bravery of four passers-by who intervened during the assaults and announced that each of them would receive a £250 reward for their courageous actions.