MAN TRIED TO SEXUALLY ASSAULT BOY ON DARLINGTON TRAIN
A man attempted to sexually assault a teenage boy during a train journey, leaving the victim feeling frightened and upset.The individual, Steven Potter, who was intoxicated, made a comment calling the boy cute and then placed his hand on the boy’s thigh while traveling from Darlington to Allens West railway station.
The teen was able to break free from Potter’s hold and disembarked at his stop, where a family member waiting for him noticed his distress and contacted authorities.
At Teesside Crown Court, it was revealed that Potter, aged 49, was apprehended at the Liquor Vaults bar near Middlesbrough railway station.
Prosecutor Rachael Landin stated that Potter approached the teenager and initiated conversation before making unwanted advances.
She explained: “Suddenly, the defendant moved to put his arm around the boy's shoulder and his right hand on his thigh.
At that moment, he said ‘you’re so cute.’” “The teenager was tense, and before the defendant could touch him again, he pushed Potter forcefully, causing him to fall into the aisle.
The boy shouted for him not to touch him and questioned Potter’s actions, making it clear he would not tolerate any further contact.” Court records indicated that the teenager spoke with a train conductor but exited the train at Allens West after it stopped around 9 pm last November.
Ms.
Mandin added that Potter was later detained at the Liquor Vaults in Middlesbrough.
In his victim statement, the teenager expressed that Potter’s actions had made him fearful of using public transportation.
Potter, from Magpie Road in Norwich, admitted to attempting to sexually assault the boy on November 15, last year.
Legal representative Nicci Horton noted that her client struggled with alcohol addiction, having traveled from his home city to the region by train.
She explained that Potter typically drank between one and three bottles of wine daily.
Judge Timothy Stead advised Potter to control his alcohol consumption if he wished to avoid future legal issues.
He sentenced him to an 18-month community order.
The judge stated, “You were intoxicated on a train and approached a minor who was traveling alone.
The circumstances must have been frightening for him.” He emphasized the importance of managing heavy alcohol dependence, especially to protect young people.
Additionally, Potter was placed under a five-year sexual harm prevention order, required to register as a sex offender for the same duration, and ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities and participate in a nine-month alcohol treatment program.
