Neil Foden: 20 take legal action about alleged abuse

Foden, 67, was jailed for 17 years in July after being convicted of 19 counts of sexual abuse, involving four female child victims between 2019 and 2023.

Katherine Yates, from Andrew Grove & Co Solicitors in Cambridge, is now acting for claimants who allege abuse from Foden, all of whom are taking legal action against Gwynedd Council.

She said that her investigations have led her to believe that Foden, who was head of Ysgol Friars and strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, was an “intimidating” presence who “terrified” people and led “with a rod of iron”.

Katherine Yates, a solicitor from Andrew Grove & Co Solicitors in Cambridge, is calling for a public inquiry. (Image: Submitted) “He also tried to bully school governors who found that they had little support from the education authority at Gwynedd Council,” she said.

“I’ve been told that, after one governors’ meeting, Neil Foden physically attacked a governor and from outside the room, shouting could be heard.”

John Nicolson, former chair of governors at Ysgol Friars, added: “No matter what complaints were brought to the attention of senior school staff or Gwynedd Council, there seemed to be an inexplicable reluctance on the part of anyone in authority to deal with this man.

“He appeared to be protected from censure.”

A mother who claims her son was bullied at Ysgol Friars said he “had a miserable time at that school which affects us both still,” meanwhile.

A Child Practice Review led by the North Wales Safeguarding Board is currently taking place, but Ms Yates believes a public inquiry may be necessary to establish exactly how Foden escaped scrutiny and investigation for so many years.

Last week, a BBC Wales Investigates programme revealed allegations of abuse from Foden from as far back as 1979.

The programme heard from three women who said they, too, were abused by Foden - speaking publicly for the first time, they described being targeted by him.

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “As a council, we are working closely and openly with the Child Practice Review and our intention is to support this statutory process fully.

“The council leader (Dyfrig Siencyn) has also explained that if the Child Practice Review were to lead to a wider inquiry, this would also be welcomed. 

“With regards to the claims made by the solicitors, as a matter of policy, it would not be appropriate for the council to comment on possible legal matters. 

“We would, however, strongly recommend that anyone who has relevant information bring it directly to the attention of the council and, if relevant, the police.”