Leigh Park man found guilty of 28 sexual offences spanning over more than 40 years

A man has been convicted of 28 sexual offences over the course of more than 40 years in Havant, Denmead, Southsea, Hambledon and Chichester in West Sussex.

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

Following a three-year investigation by Detective Constable Hollie Shelton, 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 pleaded not guilty to all offences, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday, where a jury 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 is due to be sentenced in January 2025 at the same court.

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

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to speak to police, but there is support services available that can help you if you are a victim of abuse.

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.

As a survivor of sexual abuse, you are entitled to support, whether you report the crime or not. You can access different types of support depending on how you are feeling and what you decide to do next.

Please follow the below link for more information;

Support for rape and sexual assault | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary