ROY FOSTER FROM DURHAM SENTENCED TO 29 YEARS FOR ABUSING VULNERABLE GIRLS IN DURHAM AND TEESSIDE
| Red Rose Database
Durham Rapist
A notorious sexual predator, Roy Foster, aged 63, has been sentenced to a lengthy term of 29 years in prison after being officially classified as a 'dangerous offender' by the court. Foster's heinous crimes, which spanned over three decades, involved the abuse of multiple vulnerable females in the Durham area and beyond, including a disturbing attempt to abduct a young girl in Teesside.
Foster's criminal activities came to light after a detailed investigation that revealed a pattern of predatory behavior. The court heard that Foster had raped two young girls and attempted to assault a third. His most recent victim was a young girl whom he lured away with the false promise of choosing a toy, an act that was thwarted by a vigilant member of the public. The incident took place in Durham, where Foster was residing at the time.
During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that Foster had abducted the girl with the clear intent of committing a sexual offence. The hearing was conducted via video link from Durham prison, with Foster appearing in court dressed in a white shirt and grey pullover. Prosecutor Ian West outlined the disturbing details of Foster’s crimes, emphasizing that all four victims were particularly vulnerable at the time of their abuse.
The first victim, who was assaulted over 30 years ago, provided a heartfelt statement to the court. She revealed that she had kept her ordeal a secret from her family and friends for many years, describing how the trauma had consumed her from within. She expressed frustration that Foster had been able to live his life unimpeded by the consequences of his actions. The victim only reported Foster to the police in March 2023, after years of silence.
Further details revealed that Foster had attempted to rape a second young girl, this time after intoxicating her with alcohol while he was intoxicated himself. The court was told that Foster specifically targeted this girl because she was less likely to resist, exploiting her vulnerability. The third victim, whom Foster raped twice, was supplied with alcohol and drugs by him. She spoke in court about her feelings of anger, frustration, and sadness over the abuse she endured at his hands.
Foster’s predatory behavior extended to a fourth young girl, whom he lured by offering her the chance to pick a toy if she accompanied him. Fortunately, a member of the public intervened before any harm could be done. Police later searched Foster’s residence, uncovering children’s toys in one of the bedrooms. Despite the presence of these toys, Foster had no children or grandchildren of that age, raising further questions about his motives.
Foster, of Low Grange Avenue in Billingham, was convicted on all counts by a jury following a trial held in January. The charges included sexual activity with a child, three counts of child rape, sexual assault, abducting a child with the intent to commit a sexual offence, and two counts of attempted rape. During the sentencing hearing, Foster appeared to close his eyes at times as mitigation was presented by his legal representative, Paul Cleasby.
Mr. Cleasby argued that there was no evidence to suggest that alcohol played a role in facilitating the offences against the second victim, asserting that her capabilities were not diminished by his actions. He also highlighted that Foster had a collection of various bric-a-brac, including toys, but emphasized that he did not have children or grandchildren of the age associated with the items.
A psychiatric report was also presented, indicating that Foster suffers from an extremely low level of intelligence and a learning disability. This raised questions about his understanding of the impact of his actions, with Mr. Cleasby suggesting that it was difficult to determine whether Foster comprehended the severity of his crimes.
Judge Jonathan Carroll addressed Foster directly, stating that each of his victims had been vulnerable in their own way and that Foster’s actions caused them significant suffering. The judge criticized Foster for his continued lack of remorse and for maintaining a sense of sexual entitlement despite his age and circumstances. He pointed out that Foster had the capacity to modify his grooming behavior, indicating a calculated approach to his offending.
In light of his dangerousness, Foster was sentenced to an extended term of 32 years—comprising a 29-year prison sentence and an additional three years on extended licence in the community. He is required to serve two-thirds of his custodial term before being eligible for release and will remain on the sex offenders' register for life.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable James Limon commented on the case, highlighting the collaborative effort of Stockton CID, the Complex Exploitation Team, and the Domestic Abuse Unit. He described Roy Foster as a dangerous sexual predator who targeted and abused vulnerable females, including children, over a period exceeding 40 years. The detective also praised the quick actions of a member of the public who helped prevent further harm to one of Foster’s victims, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals.
Foster's criminal activities came to light after a detailed investigation that revealed a pattern of predatory behavior. The court heard that Foster had raped two young girls and attempted to assault a third. His most recent victim was a young girl whom he lured away with the false promise of choosing a toy, an act that was thwarted by a vigilant member of the public. The incident took place in Durham, where Foster was residing at the time.
During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that Foster had abducted the girl with the clear intent of committing a sexual offence. The hearing was conducted via video link from Durham prison, with Foster appearing in court dressed in a white shirt and grey pullover. Prosecutor Ian West outlined the disturbing details of Foster’s crimes, emphasizing that all four victims were particularly vulnerable at the time of their abuse.
The first victim, who was assaulted over 30 years ago, provided a heartfelt statement to the court. She revealed that she had kept her ordeal a secret from her family and friends for many years, describing how the trauma had consumed her from within. She expressed frustration that Foster had been able to live his life unimpeded by the consequences of his actions. The victim only reported Foster to the police in March 2023, after years of silence.
Further details revealed that Foster had attempted to rape a second young girl, this time after intoxicating her with alcohol while he was intoxicated himself. The court was told that Foster specifically targeted this girl because she was less likely to resist, exploiting her vulnerability. The third victim, whom Foster raped twice, was supplied with alcohol and drugs by him. She spoke in court about her feelings of anger, frustration, and sadness over the abuse she endured at his hands.
Foster’s predatory behavior extended to a fourth young girl, whom he lured by offering her the chance to pick a toy if she accompanied him. Fortunately, a member of the public intervened before any harm could be done. Police later searched Foster’s residence, uncovering children’s toys in one of the bedrooms. Despite the presence of these toys, Foster had no children or grandchildren of that age, raising further questions about his motives.
Foster, of Low Grange Avenue in Billingham, was convicted on all counts by a jury following a trial held in January. The charges included sexual activity with a child, three counts of child rape, sexual assault, abducting a child with the intent to commit a sexual offence, and two counts of attempted rape. During the sentencing hearing, Foster appeared to close his eyes at times as mitigation was presented by his legal representative, Paul Cleasby.
Mr. Cleasby argued that there was no evidence to suggest that alcohol played a role in facilitating the offences against the second victim, asserting that her capabilities were not diminished by his actions. He also highlighted that Foster had a collection of various bric-a-brac, including toys, but emphasized that he did not have children or grandchildren of the age associated with the items.
A psychiatric report was also presented, indicating that Foster suffers from an extremely low level of intelligence and a learning disability. This raised questions about his understanding of the impact of his actions, with Mr. Cleasby suggesting that it was difficult to determine whether Foster comprehended the severity of his crimes.
Judge Jonathan Carroll addressed Foster directly, stating that each of his victims had been vulnerable in their own way and that Foster’s actions caused them significant suffering. The judge criticized Foster for his continued lack of remorse and for maintaining a sense of sexual entitlement despite his age and circumstances. He pointed out that Foster had the capacity to modify his grooming behavior, indicating a calculated approach to his offending.
In light of his dangerousness, Foster was sentenced to an extended term of 32 years—comprising a 29-year prison sentence and an additional three years on extended licence in the community. He is required to serve two-thirds of his custodial term before being eligible for release and will remain on the sex offenders' register for life.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable James Limon commented on the case, highlighting the collaborative effort of Stockton CID, the Complex Exploitation Team, and the Domestic Abuse Unit. He described Roy Foster as a dangerous sexual predator who targeted and abused vulnerable females, including children, over a period exceeding 40 years. The detective also praised the quick actions of a member of the public who helped prevent further harm to one of Foster’s victims, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals.