• 1 year ago
• Posted in:ASBO/CBO breaches, Stalking/harrassment/threats, Violent Offences
• 0
• Author: Trans Crime
• Tags: Aged 20-29, Asperger's/autism, Beard, Celebrity, Convicted 2017, Convicted 2018, Convicted 2020s, Convicted 2024, England, Get Out Of Jail Free card, HMP Norwich, Law enforcement victim, Mental health, No jail, Norfolk, Norfolk Constabulary, Norwich, Offended 2024, Repeat offender, Trans activist, Trans woman, Victim sex unknown

Marcus/Ella Potter, a male who identifies as a transgender woman, was convicted at Norwich Magistrates Court in September 2024 of threatening and abusive behaviour. 

Potter, 27 and from Wymondham, Norfolk has 17 previous convictions for 33 offences, and was fined £112 with the court hearing that the “activist” has already amassed £2,330 in outstanding fines for previous offences. The BBC reported in 2018 that Potter (then known as an “autistic man” named Marcus) brought a failed appeal after being sentenced in 2017 for public order offences and obstructing the police. He escaped a custodial sentence and was made the subject of a criminal behaviour order (CBO) but was incarcerated in HMP Norwich in November 2017 for breaching the order. The court heard that Potter required specialist mental health support to help prevent him reoffending. A campaign was set up on social media to release Potter, supported by actor Richard Mylan, who has an autistic son.

The latest offence relates to an incident on St Stephen’s Street in Norwich on July 27, 2024 when Potter launched a “foul-mouthed tirade against police officers ” and made obscene gestures, then repeatedly called an officer a nonce after being arrested for abusive behaviour. A member of the public who was passing by had earlier challenged Potter over bad language. 

Earlier in the month, Potter appeared in court accused of sending false communication with intent to cause harm. The outcome of that case is unknown.

*Update January 2026*

Potter was charged with blackmail at Norwich Magistrates Court in January 2026. Potter is alleged to have told a senior partner of a local solicitors’ firm on July 17, 2025 that an arson threat would be carried out unless a six-figure cash demand was paid. The charge was so serious that it could only be heard at the crown court. Potter did not enter a formal plea and a preliminary hearing will be heard at Norwich Crown Court on 3 February.

Image credit: Eastern Daily Press

Media reports

Eastern Daily Press https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/25744946.transwoman-ella-potter-accused-firebomb-blackmail-plot/ archive

Eastern Daily Press https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/24606829.norfolk-transgender-activist-called-police-paedophiles/ archive

Wydmondham and Attleborough Mercury https://www.wymondhamandattleboroughmercury.co.uk/news/24606829.norfolk-transgender-activist-called-police-paedophiles/

BBC King’s Lynn judge rejects autistic man’s appeal https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-42748351 archive