Ryan Foster, a 28-year-old man from Blackpool, was exposed as a potential child predator after engaging in explicit online conversations with decoy profiles set up by paedophile hunters. The case unfolded at Preston Crown Court, where Foster pleaded guilty to three counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
The incidents began when Foster contacted social media profiles created by vigilante groups, posing as 13-year-old schoolgirls named Amelia, Emily, and Emma. In each interaction, the decoys immediately disclosed their supposed age, yet Foster dismissed concerns by repeatedly stating 'age is just a number'. What started as innocuous chats quickly escalated to sexual topics. With Amelia, he inquired about her sexual experience, sent an indecent photograph of himself, and suggested meeting when her mother was out, asking explicit questions about her underwear and proposing sex.
Similar patterns emerged with Emily and Emma. Foster asked Emily if she wanted him to be her boyfriend, enquired about her clothing, and sent multiple undressed images of himself. To Emma, he offered to show his private parts and again shared indecent images. These exchanges demonstrated a clear intent to groom and sexually exploit what he believed were underage girls, as detailed by prosecution barrister Lewis Hazeldine during the hearing.
- Foster's messages included invitations for sexual encounters and requests for reciprocating indecent images.
- He showed no hesitation despite the decoys' repeated affirmations of being 13 years old.
- Police later seized digital devices from his home, confirming the communications.
Foster's defence, presented by barrister Julie Taylor, highlighted his mental health challenges and vulnerability. She explained that his mental age did not align with his chronological age, and he required supported accommodation due to isolation and past bullying. At the time of the offences, Foster had recently ended a relationship and was seeking companionship online, though she stressed this was no excuse. Notably, no actual children were involved, classifying the charges as attempts. Foster had a prior conviction in 2021 for detaining a 14-year-old girl without lawful authority, involving an incident in a hot-tub at an Airbnb, for which he had served time in custody.
Judge Paul Hodgkinson acknowledged Foster's belief that he was communicating with real 13-year-old girls but opted against immediate imprisonment, citing the potential for better rehabilitation support. Instead, he imposed a three-year community order, including 20 days of rehabilitation activities and participation in a Building Better Choices programme. The judge warned sternly: 'Let me assure you, if I see you again I will remember you and remember what you have done and what an opportunity I have given you today. Should I see you again you will go to prison.' Foster, supported by his worker in court, was described as terrified of returning to custody, which the judge hoped would deter future offences.
The case, reported by the Blackpool Gazette on 17 December 2025, underscores the role of online vigilante groups in identifying potential paedophiles, leading to police intervention by Lancashire Constabulary. Foster now resides in supported housing with others facing similar challenges, aiming for rehabilitation.