Violent robber jailed after Facebook ID

JAILED: violent robber John Foster

A VIOLENT thug who committed a string of robberies has been jailed for 12 years after his girlfriend identified him carrying out a shocking raid in a Facebook video.

Yesterday John Foster (36), from Oldham but of no fixed address, was jailed for 12 years following a 12-day crime spree that included pushing a 77-year-old dementia sufferer to the floor and tying her up.

Manchester Crown Court heard how Foster and his still-free accomplice ransacked the house and made off with a computer.

The terrified victim struggled free and staggered to the door of her farmhouse in Bardsley, where she was spotted by a neighbour who called police. CCTV footage showed the attackers arriving and leaving on pedal bikes.

The pensioner’s granddaughter posted the video on Facebook where it was shared hundreds of times until Foster’s partner recognised him. Though he denied involvement, the partner found a laptop and called police.

Between May and June 2014 Foster had committed various crimes to pay off a drug debt. Foster smirked after admitting four robberies, possessing a knife, theft and possession of an imitation firearm.

Foster’s rampage terrified a string of innocent victims, including a mother and her daughters, who were attacked and beaten in their home.

John Harrison, defending, admitted the offences were “extremely grave” but said his client was “a product of his unhappy early life”.

A five-year extension was added to his sentence, meaning he will be “on licence” for 17 years.