BRIDGWATER MAN MICHAEL FOSTER ESCAPES JAIL AFTER HORRIFIC CHILD PORN DISCOVERY
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bridgwater, Michael Foster, a 70-year-old resident, was found to be in possession of an appalling collection of indecent images of children, yet he managed to avoid immediate imprisonment.The incident unfolded in February 2020 when bailiffs arrived at Foster’s property to execute a repossession order due to unpaid mortgage debts.
During their visit, they uncovered a horrifying scene: the residence was cluttered with printed photographs depicting young children as young as six engaged in sexual acts, alongside a significant number of electronic devices containing thousands of digital images.
Alarmed by the discovery, the bailiffs contacted the police, who subsequently seized multiple electronic items, including six USB sticks, two laptops, two computer towers, and a hard drive.
Forensic analysis of these devices revealed a staggering collection of indecent images, with a total of 3,725 images classified as Category A, the most severe level of child exploitation material.
Among these, 693 were unique images, with the rest being duplicates.
Additionally, there were 5,935 images in Category B, of which 1,082 were unique, and 3,011 images in Category C, with 684 being unique.
The investigation also uncovered three images of extreme pornography involving humans and animals, along with numerous folders containing stories and photographs depicting young boys engaged in sexual acts.
Further examination revealed that Foster had been involved in this illicit activity for nearly a decade.
He admitted to downloading child pornography for approximately ten years, beginning after purchasing a book during a visit to Amsterdam.
During his court appearance at Taunton Crown Court, Foster pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, covering the period from September 4, 2009, to February 15, 2019.
He also admitted to possessing indecent images of children and extreme pornography involving animals, which was deemed grossly offensive and obscene.
Prosecutor Dominik Morton detailed the extent of the evidence, emphasizing the large volume of images and the disturbing nature of the material.
He explained that the images and stories found around Foster’s property depicted young boys in sexual situations, highlighting the vulnerability and innocence of the victims.
The case was further aggravated by the prolonged period over which the offences occurred and the high number of images recovered, underscoring the severity of the defendant’s actions.
Judge Paul Cook addressed the court, acknowledging the disturbing and sickening nature of the images, which revealed a tragic record of abuse.
Despite the gravity of the offences, the judge expressed the view that Foster’s risk of re-offending could be managed within the community, citing some insight demonstrated by the defendant during proceedings.
As a result, Foster was sentenced to a 16-month prison term, suspended for two years.
Additionally, he was given a community order requiring 45 Rehabilitation Activity Days and mandated to attend an accredited sex offenders’ programme.
Furthermore, Foster was subjected to a stringent 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
This order imposed strict conditions, including a ban on owning or using any device capable of accessing the internet unless it can retain browsing history, a prohibition on deleting such history, and a requirement to make all devices available for police inspection upon request.
The court also ordered Foster to pay £425 in costs and arranged for the destruction of all images involved in the case, emphasizing the importance of preventing further harm.
This case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding child exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts.
Foster’s actions, spanning nearly a decade, have left a trail of trauma for victims, and the community remains concerned about the potential for re-offending despite the court’s decision to suspend his sentence.
