A FORMER Bangor headteacher was described as “arrogant” and “controlling” after he was convicted of 19 charges of child sex abuse.

Neil Foden, 66, of Gwynant, Old Colwyn, was found guilty of the following by a 12-person jury at Mold Crown Court this afternoon (May 15):

  • 12 counts of sexual activity with a child.
  • Two counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust.
  • Causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
  • Possessing indecent images of a child.
  • Sexual assault of a child.
  • Sexual communication with a child.
  • Attempting to arrange the commission of a child sexual offence.

He was found not guilty of one charge of sexual activity with a child.

After the jury returned its verdicts, Judge Rhys Rowlands, who presided over his three-week trial, told Foden to expect a “lengthy custodial sentence” when he is sentenced on July 1.

"You've been convicted by the jury of what was on any view, quite serious sexual offending."

He added that he committed a "grave breach of trust".

Judge Rowlands added: "I have to say that some of the explanations offered by you, at times, frankly beggared belief.

"The fact you put them at all is borne out of an arrogant, controlling personality as an individual used to getting their own way.

"You thought you could do as you liked."

Judge Rowlands added that he behaved in a "depraved way".

"Other senior members of staff at the school behaved entirely responsibly. They were in an invidious position," he said.

"This defendant was so arrogant that he just carried on. He was Neil Foden, a man who thought he could do no wrong."

Foden was a member of the National Education Union (NEU), which has also released a statement.

It read: "The offences committed by this individual are abhorrent and the NEU is appalled by them.

"This person used his authority and power to abuse girls. These were despicable and vile acts, with lasting effects on his victims.

"No-one should be above suspicion and when accusations or concerns are raised about an individual, from whatever quarter or position of power, they need to be fully investigated.

"Children and young people need to be confident that they can speak out about abuse, and school staff also need to be confident that they will be given a serious hearing if they have concerns about behaviour they are witnessing.

"The priority must always be the safety of children and young people.

"This man’s offences against children have sickened and shocked the pupils, school staff and the community in which he worked.”

"Stringent and strictly adhered to safeguarding measures in schools and colleges and by school governors and local authorities must always be observed.

"It is particularly abhorrent that a head teacher should himself betray fundamental safeguarding principles by his actions."

Gwynedd Council said it will carry out its own independent review following the case’s conclusion.

Its statement read: “As a council, we welcome the court's decision.

"We are appalled by the nature of the crimes committed and commend and admire the remarkable courage and resilience the victims and their families have displayed throughout the process.

"We are grateful to them and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“From the beginning of this case, Gwynedd Council has worked closely with North Wales Police to ensure that the Wales Safeguarding Procedures have been followed in full.

“Now that the criminal process has concluded, the task of reviewing work practices and establishing what lessons can be learnt will begin.

"Due to the serious nature of the case, arrangements are being made to carry out an independent review in accordance with national Child Practice Review guidelines.

"The exact form of the review is currently being determined."

Speaking after the verdict, North Wales Police assistant chief constable Gareth Evans said: “We welcome the jury’s verdict following a difficult case and thank them for their diligent work.

“My thoughts remain with the victims and their families today, who have shown dignity and bravery throughout the trial and we will continue to support in moving forward.

“I will make further comment after the sentencing hearing.”

Ceri Ellis-Jones, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “These crimes were shocking as Foden was a trusted and well-respected individual, who used that to his advantage.

“The victims are to be commended for their bravery in coming forward and giving evidence. Their support for this prosecution has been key to Foden being brought to justice.

“I would also like to thank the specialist team at North Wales Police with whom we closely collaborated from the outset.

"We were able to present a compelling case to the jury, resulting in these convictions."

Ceri Ellis-Jones, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “These crimes were shocking as Foden was a trusted and well-respected individual, who used that to his advantage.

“The victims are to be commended for their bravery in coming forward and giving evidence. Their support for this prosecution has been key to Foden being brought to justice.

“I would also like to thank the specialist team at North Wales Police with whom we closely collaborated from the outset.

"We were able to present a compelling case to the jury, resulting in these convictions."