THE family of a victim of former Bangor headteacher and convicted paedophile Neil Foden are taking legal action against Gwynedd Council.
Foden, 66, who was head of Ysgol Friars, was jailed for 17 years in July, after being convicted in May of 19 counts of sexual abuse involving four child victims.
During his trial at Mold Crown Court, it was found that a teacher raised concerns about Foden’s behaviour with Gwynedd Council’s then-director of education, Garem Jackson, in 2019, but that the council failed to investigate.
Foden was first charged with sexual offences in September 2023; Mr Jackson resigned from his role for “personal reasons” later that month.
In 2020, meanwhile, Foden was also found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct by the Education Workforce Council.
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Andrew Grove & Co Solicitors, based in Cambridgeshire and specialising in investigating and claiming compensation for victims of childhood abuse, is acting on behalf of the claimants in the civil lawsuit against the council.
Solicitor Katherine Yates is appealing for anyone who suffered emotional, psychological, physical or sexual abuse from Foden to contact the firm.
“This case raises a lot of questions,” she said.
“There seems to be a long history of complaints against Foden, so why wasn't anything done sooner?
“Whether you were abused by him or have information that might be useful to our investigation, please come forward.
“We’re offering our support to anyone that suffered abuse from Foden in any capacity.”
After a three-week trial, a jury found Foden guilty of the following offences on 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.
A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “We have been appalled by the nature of the crimes committed by Neil Foden and our thoughts continue to be with the victims and their families at this difficult time.
“We commend and admire the remarkable courage and resilience they have displayed by coming forward and throughout the criminal trial.”
Following the conclusion of criminal proceedings, the North Wales Safeguarding Board has started a Child Practice Review, with which Gwynedd Council said it is co-operating “fully”.
Jan Pickles OBE, a registered social worker who has worked with the probation service, police and NSPCC, is the review’s independent chair for the Child Practice Review.
Alongside her, the board has also commissioned two independent reviewers from outside the North Wales region who have experience of safeguarding in schools.
A council spokesperson added: "Gwynedd Council is committed to co-operating fully with this review and we have already submitted a significant number of documents and information for their attention.
“No stone will be left unturned to ensure that the board gets a full picture of our services’ work arrangements and protocols, and we will respond immediately to any recommendations or lessons that are highlighted.
“Until all this independent review has been completed, it would not be appropriate for Gwynedd Council to comment further.”
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