An “arrogant, controlling” headteacher has been found guilty of sexually abusing four female pupils.
Neil Foden, 66, had denied all 20 charges against him, with the judge saying some of his explanations for his behaviour “beggared belief”.
Foden, headteacher of Ysgol Friars in Bangor and strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle in Penygroes, Gwynedd, abused the pupils over four years. The charges included 13 counts of sexual activity with a child.
He was found guilty of 12 of those, and two counts of sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust.
Delivering his judgment at Mold Crown Court, Judge Rhys Rowlands described Foden as an “arrogant, controlling individual, used to getting his own way”.
The judge referred to the fact that concerns about Foden’s behaviour had already been known to the local authority in 2019 but they were dismissed, and no action was taken against Foden back then. The judge described the inaction of the local authority as “very concerning”.
Foden was also convicted of one count related to each of the victims for causing or inciting child sexual activity, attempting to arrange the commission of a child sex offence, sexual communication with a child, possession of indecent photographs of a child and sexual assault of a child.
He was cleared of one count of sexual activity with a child, where he was alleged to have touched the bottom of child D.
Foden is due to be sentenced on 1 July 2024.
It is important for the survivors to know that in addition to obtaining justice in the criminal process, they may be entitled to financial compensation for the harm they suffered, which can help them deal with what has happened and rebuild their lives. Bolt Burdon Kemp is committed to supporting survivors in their compensation claims.
If you or someone that you know has suffered abuse, they can contact me directly for free, no-obligation advice about their legal options.