Coronation Street star Eric Potts avoids jail over child abuse images

A former Coronation Street actor has avoided an immediate jail sentence after pleading guilty to producing indecent images of children.

Eric Potts, who appeared in ITV’s longest-running serial drama in the ‘00s as baker Diggory Compton, pleaded guilty to all charges in October.

Now it has been confirmed that Judge Daniel Prowse handed Potts, now aged 61, a 26-month prison sentence, which has been suspended for 30 months.

Furthermore, the former actor was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, meaning he is forbidden from being alone with any boy aged 16 and under, for the next 10 years.

This past August, police conducted a raid on his home in Lancashire and seized the former actor's devices. He was found to have shared five images on 16 July 2024, in addition to having produced 83 indecent images of youngsters over a period of several years.

This includes seven category A images, 16 category B images and 60 category C images.

Rachel Wilson, defending, added that Potts is appalled by his behaviour which has significantly impacted every aspect of his life.

“He is truly and genuinely remorseful for the offences he has committed,” she said. “He accepted that it is repugnant and he is disgusted and ashamed of his behaviour.

“This case has had a devastating effect on all aspects of his life. His 38-year-long marriage has broken down.

“It has cost him his relationships with his children, and his career is now non-existent. There is very little, if no prospect, of him ever returning to the industry he was once in.”

If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.

Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.