JOHN FOLEY KIDNAP ATTEMPT IN BOLTON: SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS

In a disturbing incident that took place in Bolton, Greater Manchester, a known sex offender named John Foley was convicted and sentenced to a decade behind bars after attempting to abduct a 10-year-old boy. The crime occurred despite Foley being under active police surveillance at the time, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of monitoring systems and the safety of the community.

On a Sunday in February 2002, specifically the 10th, Foley, aged 31, was observed attempting to forcibly pull the young boy into a vehicle at the busy junction of Hawthorne Road and Hawthorne Street. The boy was accompanied by his younger brother at the time. Fortunately, the child managed to resist Foley’s grasp, breaking free from his attacker and running home to safety. The quick response of the boy and his brother prevented what could have been a tragic incident.

It was later revealed that Foley was already on the sex offenders' register, which mandated ongoing monitoring by a multi-agency public protection panel (MAPPP) based in Bolton. This panel comprises representatives from various sectors including probation services, police, social services, education authorities, housing agencies, and health professionals. The purpose of this collaborative approach is to oversee and manage the risks posed by registered offenders, aiming to prevent further harm.

Foley’s arrest came just hours after the failed kidnapping attempt. He was promptly detained by police officers and subsequently appeared in court, where he pleaded guilty to charges of attempted kidnapping. The case was heard at Manchester Crown Court, where the judge sentenced Foley to ten years in prison, reflecting the severity of his actions and the danger posed to the community.

In the aftermath of the sentencing, Foley’s family expressed their concerns and hopes. A family member stated, “I hope that the sentence given will help [my son] regain the confidence to play out. But that will never mean being out of my sight.” This comment underscores the lasting impact such incidents have on victims and their families.

Barbara Bate, who chairs the Bolton MAPPP, emphasized the collaborative effort that led to Foley’s conviction. She remarked, “It is this joint approach that has led to him being brought before the courts and to this significant sentence imposed.” Her statement highlights the importance of coordinated multi-agency work in managing offenders and protecting the public.

Sergeant Bill Crittenden from Bolton Police also commented on the case, paying tribute to the bravery of the young victims who assisted in the investigation. “We must pay tribute to the bravery of the young victims who assisted the investigation,” he said, acknowledging their crucial role in bringing Foley to justice.

Additionally, it was disclosed that Foley was in the process of being assessed for inclusion in the Edenfield Centre’s sex offenders’ treatment programme. The Bolton, Salford, and Trafford Mental Health Partnership issued a statement explaining that, unfortunately, there was not enough time to complete this assessment before Foley’s arrest, indicating ongoing efforts to manage his rehabilitation and risk reduction.

Overall, this case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and social services in monitoring and managing sex offenders, especially those considered high risk. The community of Bolton can now feel some reassurance that Foley has been held accountable for his actions, but the incident remains a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and coordinated efforts to safeguard vulnerable individuals.