Leigh Park 'danger to society' found guilty of 28 sex offences against children over 40 years

Paedophile David Cotton, 60, of Middle Park Way, inflicted pain and suffering on 10 victims spanning from the late 1970s to 2021. Now following a three-year investigation by Detective Constable Hollie Shelton, Cotton has been brought to justice.

He was charged with seven counts of indecent assault on a boy aged between eight and five, two counts of indecency with a boy aged between eight and 10, four counts of indecency with a girl under the age of 14, and two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The disgraced pervert was also charged with single counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and sexual activity with a child, as well as eleven counts of sexual assault with a male under 18.

Cotton, who pleaded not guilty to all offences, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court where a jury found him guilty on all counts following a five-week trial. He was remanded into custody by the judge who branded Cotton a prolific offender and “danger to society”. He is due to be sentenced in January.

Anyone who has any concerns about child abuse should contact police on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood, or is concerned about a child, can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

Survivors of sexual abuse are entitled to support whether they report the crime or not. Follow the below link for more information: Support for rape and sexual assault | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary