Paedophile who subjected a young girl to a “cruel and violent” torture for seven years must go to prison

A paedophile who subjected a young girl to “horrific and violent” sexual abuse has been jailed.

Mark Anthony Foster, of Forster Avenue, Weaverham, will spend nearly three decades behind bars.

He had previously been found guilty of 20 charges relating to the sexual abuse of a young girl in Northwich.

After Foster was sentenced to 28 years in prison, Detective Constable Paul Beesley said: “I am grateful for the sentence imposed on Foster and hope that it can finally provide some closure to the victim who has had to carry this on her shoulders for more than 20 years.”

“The crimes to which Foster cruelly subjected her were incredibly violent and persistent, and even after this sustained manipulation and abuse, he subjected her to the stressful process of a trial.

“The crimes were some of the most cruel and violent I have ever seen and the victim must be commended for her courage in reporting this abuse to the police and I am pleased that she is now getting the justice she deserves.”

“Fortunately, this was the last time she had to face him because the jury saw through his lies and he is now serving a long prison sentence where he cannot do this to anyone else.”

Mark Anthony Foster (Image: Cheshire Police)

Between 1995 and 2001, Foster groomed, abused and raped a girl in Northwich who was between the ages of nine and 16.

Over time, the crimes became more and more brutal. In at least one case, the 62-year-old administered medication to his victim before raping her.

Foster’s actions came to the attention of Cheshire Police in August 2020 when the victim bravely came forward and revealed what had happened to her.

In interviews after his arrest, Foster continued to deny the allegations, but was indicted in January 2023.

A 13-day trial took place at Chester Crown Court earlier this year, with Foster eventually found guilty of 20 charges on April 12.

These include eleven counts of sexual assault of a girl under 14, four counts of rape of a girl under 16, four counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14 and one count of rape of a girl over 16.

Foster appeared in court again today (June 13), where he was sentenced to 28 years in prison.

He will also be given an indefinite restraining order, a sexual assault prevention order and will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

DC Foster added: “As this case shows, we take all reports of non-recent sexual offences seriously. The wishes and needs of the victim are our top priority and all allegations are thoroughly investigated.

“Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse – regardless of how long ago the incident occurred – is urged to come forward and report the incident to Cheshire Police on 101 or via our website.”