CHRISTOPHER FOSTER FROM BENTILEE CAUGHT WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Christopher Foster, a resident of Bentilee, was found to be in possession of numerous indecent images of children on his personal laptop. The incident came to light during a police visit to his flat on November 2, 2013, and has led to serious legal consequences for the 30-year-old man.

Foster's history with such offenses dates back to 2009 when he was sentenced to a two-year community order after making and possessing indecent images of children. Following that conviction, he was placed on the sex offenders' register and became a managed offender. This status involved regular police visits to his residence to inspect his computer equipment and ensure compliance with the terms of his supervision.

However, during the police visit in November 2013, officers became immediately concerned upon seeing search terms on Foster’s computer that included phrases like 'teen chat' and 'teen boys.' These search terms raised suspicions about the nature of his online activity. The officers promptly seized his computer for analysis, which revealed the presence of dozens of indecent images of children. The images were categorized into different levels of severity, with 13 images classified as Category A—the most serious—along with 15 in Category B and 16 in Category C.

Further investigation uncovered that Foster had also engaged in the distribution of some of these images. Evidence of Skype messaging was found, indicating that he exchanged a small number of photographs with other like-minded individuals. Police also discovered a highly indecent conversation between Foster and a 12-year-old boy, which added to the gravity of his offenses.

Prosecutor Kevin Grego, speaking at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, detailed the police operation and the evidence found. He explained that officers arrived at Foster’s home in a discreet manner, parking in a side street to avoid detection. Foster answered the door and was seen going upstairs to his living room, where he immediately went to his laptop upon the officers' arrival. Before he could alter any settings, the officers requested to examine the device. Foster admitted to using Google Chrome, but the search history raised immediate concerns due to the explicit search terms.

Foster pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including three counts of making indecent images of children, two counts of distributing such images, and attempting to facilitate a child sexual offense. His lawyer, Stuart Muldoon, expressed remorse on his behalf, stating that Foster was ashamed and disgusted with himself and recognized that he needed help to address his problematic behavior.

Judge David Fletcher sentenced Foster to a three-year community order, which includes supervision, mandatory participation in the internet sex offender program, and 80 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Foster was ordered to pay £1,200 in court costs. As part of the sentence, he was also subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the sex offenders' register for five years.

In his remarks, Judge Fletcher emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, "The images you were looking at were real people. They are real young children who are being seriously abused. If the images were not being looked at, there would be no incentive to make these children act in that way." The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Foster and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.