Man ordered to pay over £95,000 after west Berkshire jewellery theft
Ian Foster convicted of stealing valuable jewellery from employer
Last updated 1st Dec 2025
A man has been ordered to pay over £95,000 following a jewellery theft from his employer in west Berkshire.
Ian Foster, a 60-year-old from Homington Avenue, Coate in Swindon, was given the confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act at Reading Crown Court on 26th November.
Foster was employed as a gardener and estate manager at Shefford Woodlands, north of Hungerford, by Verina Black from 2004 until her death in 2018. After her passing, it was discovered that two pieces of valuable jewellery were missing – a Van Cleef and Arpels diamond bracelet and diamond pave ear clips.
Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, it was established that Foster sold the items to a pawnbroker in London between 2015 and 2016, using the proceeds to buy property.
Foster denied theft, claiming the jewellery had been gifted to him. However, it was determined that Mrs Black had been suffering from dementia for years and lacked the capacity to understand the value of the jewellery or money.
After his arrest in July 2018 and being charged in July 2021, Foster was convicted in August 2024 following a trial at Reading Crown Court. He received a three-year prison sentence on 13th September 2025.
If Foster fails to repay the £95,923.38 confiscation order amount, he will face an additional nine months in prison.
Thames Valley Police also secured a Restitution Order to return the diamond ear clips to the Verina Black Charitable Trust, which represents Mrs Black’s estate.
Jacqueline Mackay, a Financial Investigator with Thames Valley Police, said: “This substantial confiscation order demonstrates very clearly that Thames Valley Police is committed to the prosecution of criminals who cause serious loss to victims.
“We are delighted that the confiscation order will provide compensation to the victim in this matter – the Verina Black Charitable Trust.”