MICHAEL FOSTER

MAN JAILED FOR ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE IN SEXUAL CHAT WITH CHILD

A Wrexham man has been sentenced to prison following 'persistent' efforts to communicate sexually with a child.

Michael Foster, aged 30, appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday, June 13.

He previously pleaded guilty at Wrexham Magistrates Court on May 20 to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The SHPO, valid for 10 years, had been imposed in July 2022 after Foster received a suspended sentence for similar offenses.

Prosecutor Rosemary Proctor stated that the recent offending occurred between April 22 and May 18 of this year.

Foster had begun messaging what he thought was a 13-year-old girl via Facebook, but it was in fact a member of a vigilante group posing as a minor.

He initially complimented her with comments about her 'beautiful eyes' and sent her fully-clothed pictures.

The offending was described by Ms Proctor as 'serious and persistent', with Foster asking if they could meet for 'dates' and offering to buy her 'sweets and cuddly toys'.

The conversations continued until mid-May when the vigilante group confronted him at his Wrexham address, which threatened public order.

Police were called, and concerns for Foster’s safety arose.

Foster, who is a former member of the British Army, admitted full responsibility and expressed remorse for his actions.

The court also considered his mental health issues and past drug problems.

Judge Nicola Saffman emphasized that the vigilantes should have reported their evidence to police instead of confronting Foster and handed him a two-year sentence for breaching the SHPO, with an additional eight months concurrent for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.