THE director of a company that oversees the fostering of vulnerable children is to accept a police caution for assaulting his stepson.

Eric Forster, 52, appeared in court yesterday where he was expected to plead guilty to assaulting Rupert Ormston at their family home in Teesway, Neasham, near Darlington.

Mr Forster helped set up Darlington-based Young Foundations Fostering, part of the Castlebeck group, in 2006, after working for the Durham-based Cares group and Durham County Council.

He was due to appear before District Judge Manning, sitting at Darlington Magistrates’ Court, yesterday afternoon.

But Chris Bunting, representing Mr Forster, asked the Crown Prosecution Service to send the matter back to the police for consideration during the morning session. Mr Bunting said: “When he came in to see me he told me that there was a possibility that he would receive a caution while at the police station after the offence on December 11.

“He did not have a solicitor at the time and has now had the chance to discuss the matter with myself. He would comply fully with the police and would make arrangements to go to the police station at the earliest opportunity to receive a caution.”

District Judge Manning said: “It’s alleged that he assaulted his adult stepson by kicking him in the genitals.

His answer to it all is that he does not remember doing it because he was drunk, so I’m not sure this can go for a caution.”

But, after discussing the matter with the police, prosecutor David Maddison said the Crown would consider giving Mr Forster a caution if he presented himself to a police station at the earliest opportunity to admit the offence.

The case was adjourned until January 13, to give Mr Forster the opportunity to accept a caution.

Young Foundations Fostering provides care for young people aged between 12 and 17 who have emotional and behavioural disorders, mental health problems or learning difficulties.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said: “We can confirm a member of staff from Young Foundations Fostering has appeared in court in connection with an allegation which relates to an entirely private matter and does not relate to their work with the company in any way.

“This member of staff is currently suspended in line with long-standing company policy.

“As the matter is now subject to legal proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment further.”