Alan Potter, aged 48, of Antrim, has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment at Antrim Crown Court after being convicted of a series of sexual offences committed against four teenage girls employed at his takeaway business.
The court heard that Potter’s offending took place across more than two decades, spanning from 2002 to 2023. Potter systematically exploited his position of authority over young staff members, with his victims including a 14-year-old child.
The criminal investigation commenced following an incident involving Potter’s most recent victim. The court was told Potter pulled the teenager into an on-site storage area, where he grabbed her breasts while making sexual noises. Two weeks later, he subjected the same employee to a second sexual assault. The victim reported the abuse to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, leading to Potter’s arrest on 20 February 2023.
Following publicity surrounding his arrest, three former employees came forward to report historical sexual abuse they had suffered at the hands of Potter while working at the food establishment.
One victim was repeatedly targeted with sexualised messaging before Potter carried out multiple sexual assaults against her. For another teenage girl, the takeaway was her first place of employment; Potter exposed himself to her on the premises. When she attempted to flee into the rear alleyway, she discovered the back door was locked. Potter intercepted her and grabbed her breasts with both hands whilst ignoring her screams to stop. A fourth teenage worker was coerced on multiple occasions into engaging in sexual touching with him.
Under UK legislation, all victims of sexual offences are protected by lifelong statutory anonymity.
Potter appeared before Antrim Crown Court for sentence on Friday 11 September, having been convicted of 13 charges. The offences comprised gross indecency, sexual assault, sexual communication with a child, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
Judge Crawford sentenced Potter to an immediate determinate custodial term of four years. Potter will serve half of his sentence in custody before being released on licence to complete the remainder of the sentence under community supervision. The court also imposed statutory protective measures and sex offender notification requirements.
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