A sex offender was caught after Home Bargains staff spotted him lurking in the shop weeks after he had sexually assaulted two children there.
Leslie Foster was jailed earlier this week for a series of vile sexual assaults and an attempted kidnap against children in Liverpool city centre last year. The 71-year-old forced a three year old child to rub him over his clothing at Home Bargains in September 2021 and then minutes later tried to get an eight-year-old to leave the shop with him.
Weeks earlier, he had asked a ten-year-old in a nearby Wilko store if she would give him a kiss.
READ MORE: Convicted rapist made toddler touch his genitals in Home Bargains
Liverpool Crown Court heard Foster, who has multiple convictions for sex offences and has spent most of his life in prison, was caught after Home Bargains staff recognised him when he returned to the shop at a later date. Staff were aware of him because of his vile actions towards the eight-year-old and three-year-old and recognised him on the shop's CCTV cameras.
Martine Snowdon, prosecuting, said when Foster entered the shop staff recognised him, confirmed his identity and detained him until police arrived. Foster was then arrested and eventually admitted all the offences.
Speaking after he received a nine-and-a-half-year jail term, Merseyside Police’s Detective Constable Rachel Roberts thanked staff at the shop for their role in apprehending Foster.
DC Roberts said: “We would like to thank the victims and their parents for the bravery and strength they have shown throughout the investigation to trial. I would also like to thank the staff in Home and Bargain who quickly alerted police to allow us to arrest Foster quickly so that he could be brought to justice.
“Anyone that has been a victim of a sexual offence, or suspects this has happened to someone they know, should come forward and speak to us. We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports and we will do everything we can continue to bring offenders to justice.”
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