October 2020: Now released

July 2009

Babysitter raped girl as mum went to Bible studies

A BABYSITTER has been jailed for 17 years after he repeatedly raped a young girl and abused a brother and sister.

Mark Foster, 46, of Amesbury Circus, Broxtowe Estate, was in his early twenties at the time of the attacks.

His mum offered his services as a babysitter to the family.

The victim’s mother needed someone to watch her children so she could go to Bible study twice a week.

The family was living in Strelley and the girl was aged between seven and ten when she was abused.

She only made a complaint to police in her early thirties, which resulted in Foster’s arrest and charge in June 2008. All the offences happened between 1979 and 1991.

At Nottingham Crown Court, Foster was found guilty unanimously of indecent assault of a female, five charges of rape on a child, seven charges of gross indecency on a child and two charges of indecent assault on a male.

His case, heard in June, had been adjourned for reports before sentencing.

Judge Joan Butler, QC, banned him from working with children and ordered him to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

Afterwards, Detective Constable Jeff Julious, the investigating officer, said: “I would like to commend the victims in this case for their determination and courage in bringing this matter to the attention of the police and Crown Prosecution Service.”