A guy who attempted to kidnap two young girls after making sexual remarks to them at a store has been sentenced to prison.
Leslie Foster allegedly approached the youngsters, who were under the age of 13, on September 25, 2021, in the Home Bargains store within Liverpool’s St. Johns Shopping Center, according to Merseyside Police.
The 71-year-old, who has no known residence, was apprehended in the mall after store employees called the police.
At Liverpool Crown Court, he was sentenced to nine years and six months in jail.
Initially denying any culpability, he eventually entered guilty pleas to two charges of inducing and encouraging a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual behavior as well as two counts of attempting to abduct someone with the intent to commit a sexual offense.
Det Con Rachel Roberts said following the verdict that Foster “put his victims through the trauma of a trial” by making an effort to refute the allegations.
We are glad that Foster will serve some time in jail and can no longer terrorize and hurt children.
In addition, she complimented the shop’s personnel for their prompt efforts and said that the girls’ parents deserved appreciation for “the bravery and resilience they have shown throughout.”
