In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that then 57-year-old Mark Foster—of Broxtowe Estate, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire—was released from prison after completing the custodial portion of a 17-year sentence. The investigation established that in 2009, Foster was found unanimously guilty of a horrific campaign of child abuse involving three unrelated children. The prosecution reported at Nottingham Crown Court that Foster targeted a young girl and a brother and sister while acting as their babysitter.
The investigation established that the abuse occurred while the victims’ mother attended Bible study twice a week, having accepted an offer from Foster’s own mother for him to watch the children. One girl was reported to be between the ages of seven and ten during the period of the assaults. The prosecution reported that Foster used the trust placed in him by the family to facilitate serial child rape and gross indecency, committing 15 distinct sexual offences against the defenceless victims.
JUDICIAL FINDINGS AND SENTENCING HISTORY
The court reported that in 2009, Foster was convicted of five counts of child rape, seven counts of gross indecency, and three counts of indecent assault. The investigation established that Foster, who was 46 at the time of his conviction, was described by the judge as a highly dangerous individual. The prosecution reported that the sentence of 17 years was intended to reflect the “meriless” nature of his crimes and the catastrophic impact on the lives of the three children and their mother.
Judge-led proceedings at Nottingham Crown Court concluded with Foster being placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Following his release in 2020, he remains subject to strict statutory requirements, including a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). For his actions in the Broxtowe Estate, Nottingham and the nature of the serial child rape reported, Foster’s movements and associations are monitored by the National Probation Service and the police to prevent any further risk to the public.
STATUS AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Based on the judicial orders and release records:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Child rape x5; Gross indecency x7; Indecent assault x3).
- Custodial Status: RELEASED (In 2020, completed 17-year sentence; now on licence).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active FOR LIFE.
- SHPO Status: Active FOR LIFE (Imposing permanent bans on working with children, babysitting, or unsupervised contact with minors).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barred List (Indefinite and permanent ban from any role involving children or regulated activity).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court; monitored by Nottinghamshire Police and National Probation Service.
- Criminal Record: “Highly dangerous” child rapist; Targeted three children while babysitting; Convicted of 15 charges in 2009; Served 17 years; Released under high-level supervision.
- Origin: Broxtowe Estate, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire.
MONITORING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
Foster is managed as a high-risk Category 3 offender under the statutory requirements of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Nottinghamshire. Due to the nature of his behaviour—specifically his “predatory” infiltration of a family home—he is a priority for the most intensive post-release supervision. Authorities reported that although Foster has served his time, his lifelong notification requirements ensure he is permanently flagged on national databases to prevent any further violation of human decency.
As a registered sex offender for life, his details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that Foster’s behaviour identifies an individual who prioritised his own depraved gratification over the safety and human rights of three innocent children. Any failure by Foster to adhere to his strict licence conditions or his notification requirements in Nottingham or elsewhere will result in immediate recall to prison to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who has violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that the offender was “Volunteered” as a babysitter by his mother to facilitate his crimes, do you believe the law should legally mandate that any adult offering “Informal Childcare” in a community must first register with a local authority and undergo a mandatory DBS check?
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