Former Brookside Actor Philip Foster Arrested in Spain After Fleeing Fraud Trial

Philip Foster, 58, a former actor who appeared in the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, has been arrested in Spain after evading justice following his conviction for conspiracy to defraud. Authorities located and detained Foster in Estepona, Málaga, on 29th May, nearly a year after a judge issued a warrant for his arrest.

Foster was one of six individuals found guilty in August 2023 of defrauding an elderly couple of their life savings. He failed to appear for the verdict at Liverpool Crown Court and was subsequently sentenced in absentia to four years and two months in prison.

The fraud involved the victims, in their 70s, being persuaded to invest over £500,000 into a purported property development scheme in Portugal. This investment was funnelled into shell companies and ultimately used for the defendants' personal enrichment.

Foster's extradition proceedings are now underway, with an expected return to the UK within days. Upon his return, he will commence serving his prison sentence for the extensive fraud committed.