LUKE POTTER'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN HANLEY AND SMALLTHORNE: FACEBOOK SEX OFFENDER BUSTED

In April 2015, Luke Potter, a 21-year-old resident of Mars Street in Smallthorne, found himself at the center of a serious legal case involving breaches of court orders and inappropriate online conduct. Despite being subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) issued the previous April for an offence related to sexual grooming, Potter flagrantly violated the court’s directives by initiating contact with schoolgirls through Facebook.

His actions did not go unnoticed for long. On December 13, a 14-year-old girl received a friend request from Potter on Facebook. Recognizing the potential danger, her mother advised her not to engage with him, citing that Potter’s behavior appeared peculiar. Nevertheless, Potter persisted by sending messages to the girl, prompting her to block him to prevent further contact. Her vigilant mother took the extra step of researching Potter online, uncovering his status as a registered sex offender. Further investigation revealed that Potter’s Facebook profile contained images of other young girls, including one of a girl dressed in a school uniform, raising serious concerns about his intentions.

Following these discoveries, authorities arrested Potter and brought him in for questioning. During police interviews, he claimed to understand the restrictions imposed by the SOPO and admitted that he had been randomly sending Facebook friend requests to individuals he did not know personally. However, he denied specifically recalling sending requests to the three girls involved in the case. Potter, who resides on Mars Street in Smallthorne, pleaded guilty to three separate charges of breaching the court order.

In his defense, Anis Ali, representing Potter, highlighted that the defendant comes from a dysfunctional family background. Ali emphasized that Potter was seeking help and guidance, asserting that he was making positive strides and demonstrating a willingness to comply with the requirements of the sex offender treatment program.

Judge David Fletcher, presiding over the case at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, delivered a stern verdict. He stated, “In December, a very vigilant mother of a 14-year-old girl saw what was happening on her daughter’s Facebook page and had the good sense to search for your details and discover you were a sex offender. She reported this to the police. You had been engaging in similar online behavior, contacting two other schoolgirls. Your continued blatant breaches of court orders are deeply concerning.”

Judge Fletcher further expressed his concern about the potential harm such behavior could inflict on young teenagers, emphasizing the importance of protecting their interests. He concluded by condemning Potter’s actions, remarking, “You have burnt your bridges on the basis of your behavior.”

In a separate incident dating back to April 2014, Potter, then aged 20, was involved in a disturbing case where he sent sexually explicit text messages to a 14-year-old girl after meeting her on Facebook. Using false names, Potter contacted the girl and falsely claimed to have cancer. Despite knowing her age, he continued to send her suggestive messages after she provided her mobile number. The messages included explicit requests and threats, with Potter even suggesting he would meet her in the woods for sex.

The girl’s mother became aware of the messages and intervened by sending texts to Potter, warning him to stay away from her daughter. Despite this, Potter persisted, and on May 22, 2012, he sent a series of threatening texts, including one stating, “I am going to have sex with your daughter so hard she screams, ha ha.”

Police arrested Potter on October 11, 2012. During questioning, he initially denied sending the texts but later admitted to doing so, acknowledging that he knew the girl was only 14. He claimed his intent was to scare her, driven by anger. At the time, Potter was living on Perry Close in Hanley.

He faced charges of attempting to meet a girl under 16 following sexual grooming. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Potter already had a caution for sending menacing messages to a young female. His sentencing included a three-year community order, supervision, and participation in a sex offender group work program. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years and subject to a residence requirement, which restricted where he could live, specifically prohibiting him from residing with his brothers, who were also under SOPOs.

Judge Fletcher remarked on the disturbing nature of Potter’s messages, especially given the girl’s clear refusal to continue contact. He emphasized the distress caused by Potter’s response, which included sending a message that he knew her mother would read, further demonstrating his disregard for the court’s orders and the safety of young girls.