GATESHEAD PERVERT MARTIN FOSTER SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES ON FACEBOOK

In February 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Martin Foster, a resident of Gateshead, who engaged in predatory behavior online targeting a young girl. Foster, aged 33 at the time, used Facebook to contact a 13-year-old schoolgirl, having initially sent her a friend request. Once connected, he proceeded to ask her personal questions, including her age, and soon shifted the conversation towards inappropriate and sexual content.

Foster explicitly requested the girl to send him private photographs of her breasts, referring to them in crude terms as her "massive t***." Recognizing the inappropriate nature of his requests, the girl was understandably uncomfortable and attempted to distance herself from the conversation. However, Foster continued to exert pressure, warning her not to disclose their interactions by saying, "not to say f*** all though," and made her swear on her grandmother’s life that she would keep their exchanges secret.

The situation escalated when Foster engaged in a video call with the girl, during which he allegedly threatened her with violence. The court heard that he threatened to slit her throat and kill her family if she told anyone about what had transpired. Although Foster later claimed he did not recall making such threats, the court found the evidence to support the girl’s account.

Following the incident, the girl confided in a family member, prompting them to contact the police. Law enforcement authorities responded swiftly, and Foster was arrested. During his arrest, he became visibly agitated and denied any wrongdoing, claiming he had only had possession of his phone for 24 hours and that there were multiple individuals with similar names on Facebook, which complicated the investigation.

Judge David Gordon presided over the case at Newcastle Crown Court. He acknowledged the emotional impact on the young girl, stating that she felt "disgusting and very uncomfortable" as a result of Foster’s actions. Foster, who has a criminal record with six previous convictions but none related to sexual offenses, pleaded guilty to charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

In sentencing, Foster was given an 18-month community order. This included a three-month curfew from 7 pm to 7 am, an alcohol treatment requirement, and the obligation to sign the sex offenders register. Additionally, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for the next five years, aiming to prevent any further offenses of this nature. Foster’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors from exploitation.