David Anthony Cotton, 60, of Middle Park Way, Leigh Park, was convicted on Monday November 11th, 2024 of 28 sexual offences involving ten different victims spanning from the late 1970s to 2021.

Following a three-year investigation, Cotton was charged with:

• Seven counts of indecent assault on a male (Boy aged between 8-15)
• Two counts of indecency with a child (Boy aged between 8-10)
• Four counts of indecency with a child (Girl under the age of 14)
• Two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
• Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
• Sexual activity with a child
• Eleven counts of sexual assault (Male under the age of 18)

Cotton, who was also known as 'Big Dave' to many who interacted with him, pleaded not guilty to all offences. However, a jury at Portsmouth Crown Court found him guilty on all counts following a five-week trial.

He was remanded into custody by the judge, who stated that Cotton is a prolific offender and a danger to society. He appeared again yesterday (Wednesday January 22nd) at the same court, where he was jailed for 18 years and given a further five year extension to his license period due to the Judge deeming him to be a dangerous offender.

Cotton has also been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.