MARK FORSTER'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN WASHINGTON: FROM GROOMING 12-YEAR-OLDS TO SEXUAL ASSAULT ON A 14-YEAR-OLD

In a series of disturbing incidents that have shocked the community of Washington, a man named Mark Forster has been found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving underage girls. The sequence of events highlights a troubling pattern of predatory behavior that persisted despite previous legal interventions and restrictions.

Back in April 2013, Forster, then 20 years old, became the subject of a criminal case after he engaged in online grooming activities with a 12-year-old girl. Using MSN Messenger, he convinced her to send explicit photographs of herself at various stages of undress, claiming it would help boost her confidence. The court was told that Forster had explicit exchanges with the girl, and he admitted that he had plans to meet her in person with the intention of having sex. Fortunately, the girl’s teacher became aware of the inappropriate messages and alerted the authorities before any meeting could occur. Prosecutors revealed that the messages exchanged were explicit on both sides, underscoring the dangerous nature of online communication among minors and adults.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge James Goss emphasized the risks posed by such online platforms, stating that they are often exploited to facilitate sexual exploitation and grooming. He expressed concern over the societal messages that sometimes lead children to believe they should be treated as adults, which complicates efforts to protect them. As a result of his actions, Forster was sentenced to a three-year community order, which included supervision and participation in group work. Additionally, he was ordered to adhere to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for five years and to register as a sex offender for the same period.

Despite these restrictions, Forster’s behavior did not cease. Just five months after his initial sentencing, he targeted a different victim, a 14-year-old girl. This time, the offenses were more severe, involving repeated sexual encounters with the schoolgirl. The court heard that Forster had invited her into his home and engaged in sexual activity with her multiple times. The young girl was underage, and Forster was fully aware of her age at the time. He was charged with three counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of breaching his existing SOPO.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Freedman described Forster as a significant danger to children and sentenced him to four and a half years in prison. The judge pointed out that Forster’s actions were aggravated by his violation of the SOPO, which explicitly prohibited any contact with children under 16 without supervision. Judge Freedman expressed his belief that Forster demonstrated a lack of insight into the harm caused by his actions and exhibited distorted thinking, which increased the risk of future offending. To ensure public safety, the court imposed an extended sentence, including a three-year extended license period following his release, and mandated continued compliance with a 10-year SOPO.

In his previous sentence from April 2014, Forster was given a three-year community order with supervision and group work, along with a five-year SOPO and a requirement to register as a sex offender for five years. The court’s decision to allow him to remain free at that time was described as an “exceptional” measure aimed at preventing further offenses. However, the subsequent offenses demonstrated the ongoing danger he posed.

Throughout these proceedings, Forster’s defense, represented by Vic Laffey, argued that he was demonstrating some maturity and had begun working to address his behavior while in custody. The court acknowledged these efforts but emphasized the importance of protecting children from potential future harm. The case underscores the dangers associated with online grooming, sexting, and the exploitation of minors, especially in an era where digital communication is ubiquitous and often unmonitored. The community of Washington remains vigilant as authorities continue to monitor and address such serious threats posed by individuals like Mark Forster.