A FORMER foster carer has been sent to prison for two years after inciting a teenage into sexual activity.

Grant Preece, 45, of Malvern View, Shobdon, had been a foster carer with his wife since December 2008 and had looked after a large number of children.

Siobhan Collins, prosecuting, said the matter came to light when the victim was on holiday overseas and, following an argument, had her electronic devices taken away.

Ms Collins said messages were then found reminding the victim to delete all emails and texts.

Preece also complained that she had not been replying to him.

Other messages sent saw Preece tell the girl that he needed to see her and to save her phone battery for him.

He told her that he loved her and described a sexual act before messaging ‘I’m going to do you big time’.

Preece admitted inciting a female child aged 13 to 17 into sexual activity “During her time on holiday he showed controlling behaviour and when there was no answer on emails he started messaging her on Facebook,” added Ms Collins.

“Preece said he thought of leaving his wife for the victim and his heart was bleeding for her.

“He was employed and trained to be in a particular position of trust and he knew the exact demands of the victim.”

When questioned the victim told police that she saw Preece like a dad. She said that nothing said made her feel uncomfortable and couldn’t remember the sexual messages.

Mark Thompson, defending, said a lifetime of good work had been undone by Preece’s ‘foolish and bizarre’ behaviour.

““He takes full responsibility for what he knows is a very serious act,” added Mr Thompson.

“It is a fact that no physical relationship ever happened. This behaviour did take place against the back-drop of some difficulties with the defendant at his time of life. He has lost his marriage and his family home as a result of this action.”

On sentencing Preece to two years in custody Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins said: “The text messages seemed almost like a jealous boyfriend in their tone. He knew exactly what he was doing was wrong but persisted.”

Preece was also handed a sex harm prevention order for 10 years.