MARK FOSTER FROM SPONDON SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN DERBY

In October 2009, Mark Foster, a resident of Spondon, was sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of possessing and distributing a significant collection of child pornography. The case drew considerable attention due to the disturbing nature of the images and the circumstances surrounding Foster's activities.

Authorities conducted a thorough investigation following a tip-off and subsequent police inquiry. The Derby police, acting on a search warrant, raided Foster’s residence on Ullswater Drive in Spondon. During the search, officers seized multiple computers and photographic equipment, which revealed a staggering collection of 5,915 indecent images, including some videos. The images depicted young children in various states of undress, with some involving children as young as 12 or 13, and even the mothers of some children. Many of these images were classified as the most severe category of abuse, highlighting the gravity of Foster’s offenses.

At Derby Crown Court, Judge John Burgess condemned Foster’s actions, describing him as a “peeping tom” and emphasizing the disturbing nature of the images. The judge stated, “It is just as well no one else in court has had to look at these images. They are sickening to normal people.” He further explained that the purpose of the sentence was not solely to punish but to reflect the harm inflicted upon the children depicted in the images. “These images involved the abuse of young children. You contributed to that,” the judge said. “Without people like you, there would be no market for these sort of images.”

Prosecutor Brenda Whittaker revealed that Foster had used a Google chat log, which has since been closed, as part of his online activity. The investigation was initiated by West Midlands police, who uncovered evidence linking Foster to the possession and creation of these illicit images. Foster’s actions included taking photographs through windows, capturing images of children and their mothers without their knowledge. Whittaker highlighted that among the images, there was one of a 12 or 13-year-old child in a state of undress, and another involving a mother, with the children unaware that they had been photographed.

Foster, aged 37, pleaded guilty to 26 charges, which included two counts of voyeurism, 13 counts of making indecent photographs, possession of indecent images, and distribution of such material. During police interviews, Foster was cooperative and candid about his interests, describing his fascination with child pornography as an addiction. His defense attorney, Jolyon Camlin, noted that Foster had recently married and was receiving support from his wife. Camlin emphasized that Foster had been forthcoming about his offending from the outset and had taken steps to address his addiction since his arrest.

Since the conviction, Foster has been considered a changed man, with the full backing of his family and friends. As part of his sentence, he was prohibited from using computers or photographic equipment connected to computers. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of 10 years and ordered to pay £1,200 towards his legal costs. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from such heinous crimes.