ANDREW FORSTER CAUGHT IN HAVERFORDWEST WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND APPROACHING YOUNG GIRLS

In September 2014, a disturbing incident unfolded at a Tesco store in Haverfordwest, where a security guard with a keen eye for detail uncovered a disturbing case of child exploitation. The guard, who was diligently monitoring the store via CCTV cameras, noticed a man later identified as Andrew Francis Forster, aged 27, exhibiting suspicious behavior. Notably, Forster was not carrying a shopping basket and appeared not to be engaged in typical shopping activities, prompting the security personnel to keep a close watch on his movements.

As the CCTV footage revealed, Forster approached three young girls—two aged seven and one aged six—and showed them his mobile phone. The security guard, with the camera’s high-resolution capabilities, observed that Forster was displaying an indecent photograph of a child on his device. This alarming behavior was reported to the authorities, and police officers swiftly responded to the scene. They detained Forster before he could leave the store premises.

During the arrest, police officers observed that Forster’s phone rang, and when he unlocked it to answer the call, a screensaver was visible on the device. The screensaver depicted a naked girl approximately five years old performing a sexual act on an adult male. This discovery further confirmed the suspicion of criminal activity involving child exploitation.

Subsequent searches of Forster’s residence in Fleming Crescent, Haverfordwest, yielded a significant amount of illicit material. Authorities found that he had stored indecent images on four electronic devices, including a pink Acer laptop belonging to his then-girlfriend. The investigation revealed that Forster possessed and created numerous indecent images, including cartoons depicting children in sexual situations. He also attempted to persuade a girl under the age of 16 to view an indecent image, which constituted multiple criminal offenses.

Prosecutor Francis Jones outlined the gravity of the case to Swansea Crown Court, emphasizing that the CCTV footage was so detailed that it clearly showed Forster’s inappropriate conduct towards the young girls. Forster was charged with 26 offenses in total, encompassing possession, creation, and distribution of indecent images, as well as attempting to involve a minor in viewing such material.

During the court proceedings, Forster’s defense barrister, Carina Hughes, provided context about his personal circumstances. She explained that he had been planning to marry, but his relationship had since ended. Hughes also noted that Forster had lost his job and his home following his arrest, and he had spent five months in custody. She mentioned his intention to relocate to North Wales to live with his parents.

Judge Huw Davies addressed the court, emphasizing the seriousness of the crimes committed. He stated that the young girls depicted in the images were real victims, exploited by individuals who profit from their suffering. The judge condemned Forster’s actions as horrific, especially considering the betrayal of a young woman who had been looking forward to their marriage.

Ultimately, Forster was sentenced to a three-year community order, which included supervision for the same period. He was also mandated to attend a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order that restricted his contact with children. The court’s ruling reflected the gravity of his offenses and the need to protect vulnerable minors from further harm.