TW: Contains mention of rape, child pornography and sexual assault
Robert Foulkes, aged 65, will serve fifteen years in prison after raping two victims, and subjecting a third to indecent conduct following what has been called a ‘campaign of abuse’ spanning 12 years.
Foulkes was a health and safety officer, which he used to target young children in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire area.
Judge Lord Young said that the victim impact statements provided by two of the girls have revealed the extent of damage caused by Foulkes’ crimes on their health and education. The judge told the rapist that he has shown “limited appreciation of the harm which you have caused”.
He has admitted to forcing two of the victims to witness pornography before sexually abusing them. Moreover, he used a mobile phone to film himself abusing one of the girls; before showing her the footage.
One victim – who was only eight when the abuse began – suffered at Foulkes’ expense between 2006 – 2010. Foulkes showed her pornography, exposed himself and molested her.
Advocate Depute, Brian Gill KC, told the court that Foulkes asked one of his victims to keep it “their little secret”.
Foulkes earliest history of subjecting his victims to sexual abuse was in 2006, extending till 2018; reflecting the length and extent of this behaviour
The defense counsel told the court that Foulkes advised him that the rapes and sexual assault was connected to alcohol abuse on his part. Furthermore, he stated that “he is genuinely remorseful for his behaviour”.
On Tuesday, the 21st October, Foulkes was given an 18-year extended sentence. This will compose fifteen years in jail and three years on licence once released back into the community.
Foulkes will be on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and is banned from contacting the victims.
Katrina Parkes, who is Scotland’s procurator fiscal for high court sexual offending has said “Robert Foulkes posed a significant danger to children through his predatory behaviour. The trauma suffered by the victims was at the forefront of our minds during this prosecution. It is thanks to the bravery of those affected by Foulkes and his offending that he has now been brought to justice”
Foulkes, in what would appear to be an attempt to avoid jail, asked the court to continue bail due to his recent heart plant operation.
Judge Young highlighted that “It seems to me the prison authorities will be well able to provide the medical assistance needed by Mr Foulkes”.
Foulkes currently takes 13 different medications which are vital for his heart transplant to remain successful. The anti-rejection drugs are of such importance that discontinuation of their consumption can lead to the organ halting its function and the patient dying. Moreover, he has upcoming appointments following the surgery.
Foulkes’ defence also claimed that his medication requirements were extremely complex, and that he has exercise requirements to ensure the health of his heart.
In light of the sentencing, justice will now be served for the young girls who Foulkes molested.
