Ian Foster, aged 41, attacked the woman while she slept

Ian Foster and (inset) Edmonton Police Station

A man has been convicted of raping a woman while she slept at a hotel in Edmonton Green.

Ian Foster, aged 41 and of no fixed abode, was unanimously found guilty of rape at Hendon Magistrates’ Court on Friday (26th) following a trial. He will be sentenced at the same court in July.

The court heard that the victim, aged in her 30s, was known to Foster. They attended a hotel in Edmonton Green on 17th January 2020. A heated argument ensued in the hotel room between the two, where Foster displayed sexual jealousy.

Following the argument, Foster and the woman went to sleep. It was in the early hours of the morning on 18th January, Foster raped the complainant whilst she slept.

The victim reported the incident to police on the 19th January 2020 and detectives launched an investigation. She was supported by specialist officers throughout this process as she provided evidence against Foster.

Foster was arrested the following on suspicion of rape and recalled to prison in breach of his licence conditions following his conviction for two rapes in 2012 at Truro Crown Court. He was subsequently charged on 31st January 2023 after an extensive investigation.

Detective Sergeant Myles Bossman from the North Area Public Protection team, who led the investigation, said: “Foster is a highly dangerous individual who has now been convicted of rape on two separate occasions. He was released on licence in 2017 following his 2012 conviction, and committed another horrific attack in 2020.

“Foster appears enraged by sexual jealousy and insecurity, and chose to attack the woman when she was at her most vulnerable as slept. Foster has showed zero remorse for his actions.

“The verdict shows that such violence against women will not be tolerated and those commit such offences will be dealt with robustly.

“With the support of her family and friends, the victim showed immense courage and bravery in supporting a police investigation. I would like to thank the victim for her strength, and the many witnesses who provided evidence. I hope the conviction goes some way to providing closure after what must have been a horrific experience.

“I would encourage anyone who is a victim or witness to sexual assault to contact police immediately where you can access support from specially trained officers.”

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