Sutton man threatened to make pregnant ex-partner ‘Facebook famous’ by posting topless picture
A Sutton man with a record of violence towards women threatened to make his heavily pregnant ex-partner “Facebook famous” by posting a topless picture of her, a court has heard.
Francis Foster was warned not to contact the woman after driving her car without permission, a licence or insurance, on May 29, Nottingham Crown Court was told.
But he ignored police bail and bombarded her with messages, including a topless picture of her and a threat to make her ”Facebook famous.”
Two weeks later, Foster confronted her as she got into her car outside her home and frightened her so much she struggled to get the key in the ignition.
He went to the driver’s window and pleaded with her, saying he was sorry, before snatching the keys.
Foster threatened to “batter” another woman, then returned the keys but clung to the car’s door frame while shouting abuse and spitting in his ex’s face and hair.
He continued to message his ex, often into the early hours of the morning, telling her he loved her and begging her not to go to the police.
The court heard he has ten previous convictions for 26 offences, and was jailed in May 2022 after seriously assaulting another ex-partner.
His barrister said Foster, who has been on remand since June 16, suffers from anxiety, depression, autism and a suspected split personality disorder, and his time in custody has exacerbated these difficulties.
Prior to his remand he worked for a property services company and is hopeful of getting his job back after he is released, his barrister said.
“Although it was not physical, it was deeply unpleasant and caused her a great deal of distress,” Judge Nirmal Shant KC told him.
“It is of great concern you have amassed a very significant record of activity towards previous partners.
"These offences are significantly aggravated by that backdrop.”
Foster, aged 30, of Sylvan Crescent, Sutton, admitted witness intimidation, threatening to share photograph or film of person in an intimate state, common assault, and driving without a licence or insurance, before a trial on September 12.
On Tuesday he received a prison sentence of 15 months and was banned from contacting his victim for ten years.