ISMAIL URADDE RIBBLETON AND BLACKPOOL ROAD HORROR: TEENAGE GIRL NEARLY KIDNAPPED IN PRESTON

In May 2015, a terrifying incident unfolded in Preston involving a man named Ismail Uradde, who attempted to abduct a 13-year-old girl as she was on her way to school. The young girl narrowly escaped what could have been a tragic fate when her quick thinking and the intervention of vigilant parents thwarted Uradde’s sinister plans.

According to court reports, the ordeal began less than thirty minutes before the attempted kidnapping, when Uradde, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs, approached a young teaching assistant near the junction with Miller Road in Ribbleton. Witnesses described Uradde as being so close to her that he was able to spit on her face as he asked for a light and complimented her appearance. When she declined his advances, citing her relationship status, Uradde persisted, following her and threatening her with violence if she did not comply. The woman, determined to avoid trouble, pushed past him and threatened to call the police, prompting Uradde to continue his pursuit.

Moments later, Uradde targeted a schoolgirl dressed in her uniform at a local newsagent’s. He attempted to give her his phone number and asked if she knew anyone over the age of 16, trying to persuade her to go with him. The girl ignored his advances and continued her journey to school. However, Uradde did not give up; he followed her onto a pedestrian crossing and forcibly grabbed her arm, attempting to pull her away. It was at this critical moment that two parents, who were walking their own children to school, intervened. One of the parents shouted at Uradde to stop, and he responded aggressively, saying, “Don’t start on me. She can come with me if she likes. I’ll knock you out right here in front of your kids. I’ve got a gun.”

As the situation escalated, the girl’s mother, who had come out after seeing her daughter distressed and frightened, also confronted Uradde. She told him, “No. You have just really freaked my daughter out,” and threatened to physically confront him. Meanwhile, the schoolgirl, terrified, ran across Blackpool Road in an attempt to escape, nearly being hit by an oncoming lorry in her frantic effort to get away from Uradde.

Uradde’s behavior turned violent when he became aggressive towards a man named Lee Warner, who had come to help. Uradde bounced on his toes, adopting a boxing stance, and then punched Mr. Warner in the head. Police officers arrived at the scene to find Uradde in a highly agitated state. He was so unruly that it took several officers to restrain him and place him into the back of a police van. During his arrest, Uradde assaulted multiple officers and spat in the face of one constable.

Judge Heather Lloyd, presiding over the case, described the incident as particularly unpleasant for all involved, especially the young girl who believed she was about to be kidnapped. The court learned that Uradde, 26 years old and usually residing in London with his mother, had been “sofa surfing” since the death of a close family member. His substance abuse issues, including alcohol and drugs, contributed to his erratic behavior, although he claimed not to remember the events of that day.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Lloyd acknowledged the bravery of the parents who intervened and condemned Uradde’s actions. She highlighted his history of violent offenses, including previous convictions for assaulting strangers and an incident where he tried to open a car door and was abusive towards a female driver. The judge emphasized that Uradde’s behavior represented a significant escalation in his criminal activity and warned that continued substance abuse could lead to longer prison sentences. Ultimately, Uradde was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to attempted abduction, assault, and threatening behavior. The court’s decision underscored the seriousness of attempting to kidnap a child and the danger posed by Uradde’s reckless conduct in Ribbleton and Preston.