In a recent case that has deeply affected the local community, a former headteacher in Wales, Neil Foden, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison. Mr. Foden was convicted of 19 charges, including 12 counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of sexual activity with a child whilst in a position of trust. The offences took place between January 2019 and September 2023, over a four-year period, involving four young girls, leading to his conviction in May 2024. The full extent of Mr. Foden’s offending is not yet known, but a recent BBC Wales investigation has revealed Mr. Foden may have abused over 20 victims over four decades, four times as many as previously thought.
Mr. Foden, who held the roles at Ysgol Friars in Bangor, Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle in Penygroes, and Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen in Bethesda, exploited his position of trust and authority to commit these acts of abuse. Of particular concern in this case is the fact there were a number of warning signs that were not followed up and acted on, leaving children at risk.