Man found guilty of raping woman at hotel in Edmonton

A man has been found unanimously guilty of raping a woman while she slept at a hotel in north London.

Ian Foster, 41 (05.02.83) of no fixed abode, was unanimously found guilty of rape at Hendon Magistrates’ Court sitting in for Wood Green Crown Court on Friday, 26 April following a trial.

He will be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 16 July.

The court heard that the victim, aged in her 30s, was known to Foster. They attended a hotel in Edmonton, N9 on the 17 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 the 18 January, Foster raped the complainant whilst she slept.

The victim reported the incident to police on the 19 January 2020 and detectives from the North Area’s Public Protection team launched an investigation. She was supported by specialist officers throughout this process as she provided evidence against Foster.

Foster was arrested the following day 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 31 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.”

Should you wish to report a crime, you can do so by contacting police on 101, or 999 in an emergency – we have specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.

Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.