A 48-year-old man from Antrim, Alan Potter, has been jailed for four years after being convicted of 13 non-recent sexual abuse offences at Antrim Crown Court on Friday 11 September. The offences included gross indecency, sexual assault, sexual communication with a child and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Potter, who owned a local takeaway, abused young girls employed at his business over a period stretching from 2002 to 2023.

He was arrested on 20 February 2023 on suspicion of sexual assault following a report that he had sexually touched a female member of staff at the takeaway. After this initial report, three further victims came forward alleging similar offending while they too were employed at the same premises. On 13 December 2023, Potter was charged with a total of 18 sexual offences; he has now been sentenced for 13 counts. Detective Constable Meehan said: "Potter was a local businessman and an employer – someone these young girls should have been able to trust. Instead, he exploited that position for his own sexual gratification, subjecting them to behavior that was predatory, calculated and completely unacceptable.

"I want to pay particular tribute to the victims in this case. Coming forward and speaking about sexual abuse takes immense courage. Their bravery in reporting what happened and supporting our investigation has ultimately helped us bring this offender before the courts to answer for his actions.

"No young person should ever have to experience sexual abuse or exploitation, whether in the workplace or anywhere else. Those who seek to abuse positions of trust should be under no illusion: we will robustly investigate reports made to us.

"We have specially trained detectives who will treat victims with sensitivity and respect. I would encourage anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse to contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency."