Neil Foden 66

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A Welsh headteacher has been found guilty of sexual abuse involving four girls. Neil Foden, 66, who worked at a school in North Wales, was charged with 20 offences against five girls, who cannot be identified to protect their anonymity.

He stood impassively in the dock at Mold Crown Court as the jury foreman read out the guilty verdicts on 19 out of 20 indictments. The jury of seven women and five men delivered their verdicts on the defendant, of Gwynant, Old Colwyn, after a three-week trial.

The judge His Honour Rhys Rowlands called him "arrogant and controlling" man who was used to getting his own way. He said some explanations for his behaviour "beggared belief".

The court heard concerns about Foden were raised with Cyngor Gwynedd at an earlier stage. Judge Rowlands said: “When real concerns were first raised about the defendant with the county council they were simply dismissed, pretty much out of hand.”

He said no investigation was carried out and no notes were taken. He added: “We now know he continued to offend. That’s very concerning indeed.”

Foden was convicted of sexual activity with a child, using or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to arrange or incite sexual activity with a child by penetration, engaging in sexual communication with a child, two counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust and possession of an indecent photograph of a child, North Wales Live reported.

He adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be made. Foden is due to be sentenced at Mold Crown Court on July 1. The judge told him to expect a sentence of some length.

Speaking after the verdict, 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.”

Foden’s offending came to light in September 2023 when the first victim made disclosures. As part of the investigation another four victims were identified, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

The evidence presented included the victims accounts. Those accounts were corroborated by the evidence obtained by the police in the form of mobile devices, computers seized, forensic evidence and financial enquiries. Text messages and calls linked Foden to the victims. Foden denied all charges against him and choose not to answer any question during his police interviews.

Ceri Ellis-Jones of the CPS said: “These crimes were shocking as Foden was a trusted and well-respected individual, who used that to his advantage. He abused his position of trust and targeted the most vulnerable females he was entrusted to safeguard.

“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".

A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson said: "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.

They said: "As a result, pastoral arrangements put in place for pupils at the start of the criminal proceedings will continue for the foreseeable future. From the beginning of this case, Cyngor Gwynedd 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.

"Until all relevant investigations and reviews have been completed, it would not be appropriate...to comment further."