Antrim man sentenced to four years for non-recent sexual abuse offences

A 48-year-old Antrim man has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of 13 non-recent sexual abuse offences involving young female employees.

Alan Potter was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court on Friday, 11 September 2026.

Police said the offences took place between 2002 and 2023 while Potter owned a local takeaway business.

Alan Potter sentenced at Antrim Crown Court

An Antrim man has been sentenced for non-recent sexual abuse offences committed against young girls who worked at his takeaway business.

Alan Potter, aged 48, appeared at Antrim Crown Court on Friday, 11 September, where he was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

The sentence relates to 13 sexual offences, including gross indecency, sexual assault, sexual communication with a child and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Police said Potter owned a local takeaway business and abused young female employees over a period spanning from 2002 until 2023.

Investigation began following 2023 report

The police investigation began after officers received a report on 20 February 2023 alleging that Potter had sexually touched a female member of staff at his takeaway business.

Potter was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

Following that initial report, three further victims came forward to police and reported similar offending while they had been employed at the same premises.

On 13 December 2023, Potter was charged with a total of 18 sexual offences.

He was ultimately sentenced in relation to 13 offences.

Police praise victims who came forward

Detective Constable Meehan said Potter had abused the trust placed in him as both a businessman and employer.

“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 behaviour that was predatory, calculated and completely unacceptable.”

The detective also praised the victims for coming forward and supporting the police investigation.

“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.”

Police encourage victims of sexual abuse to seek help

Detective Constable Meehan said no young person should have to experience sexual abuse or exploitation, whether in the workplace or elsewhere.

The PSNI says victims of sexual violence or abuse can report offences regardless of whether they happened recently or many years ago.

Non-emergency reports can be made by calling 101, while anyone in immediate danger should call 999. The PSNI says specially trained officers can speak confidentially with victims.

More information is available through the PSNI’s sexual violence and abuse support guidance.

Support is available

Anyone affected by domestic or sexual abuse can also contact Northern Ireland’s 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414.

The service provides confidential information, advice and support to people affected by domestic and sexual abuse, as well as people concerned about someone else.

Visit the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline for online support and further information.

Support is also available through:

• Nexus NI — specialist support for people affected by sexual abuse and abusive relationships.
• The Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre — specialist support and medical services for victims of sexual violence.
• Victim Support NI — independent support for victims of crime.
• PSNI sexual consent information — advice on consent, reporting and support.

The PSNI states that the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0808 802 1414.

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Keep up to date with the latest court, policing and breaking news from across Northern Ireland on Northern Ireland Online.

For more local stories, visit the Northern Ireland Online Antrim section.

Have information for police?

Anyone wishing to report a non-emergency incident can contact police on 101.

In an emergency, always call 999.

Reports can also be made through the PSNI online reporting service.