NEIL FODEN, FORMER HEADTEACHER, FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN CITY

Neil Foden, a 66-year-old ex-headteacher, has been convicted of 19 counts of sex crimes involving young children, specifically targeting four young girls. The presiding judge, Rhys Rowlands, described Foden as 'arrogant' and noted that his 'controlling personality' contributed to his predatory behavior. Evidence presented during the trial included Foden telling one of his victims that he loved her and referring to another as 'his little sex toy.' Over a period of four years, Foden engaged in abusive acts against his victims, leading jurors to reach a guilty verdict after just one day of deliberation. He was convicted on multiple charges, including 12 counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of sexual activity with a child in a position of trust. One charge was acquitted, but the court heard extensive evidence illustrating the alarming extent of his misconduct.

During the trial, Judge Rowlands commented on Foden's attempts to justify his actions, describing them as 'unbelievable,' and emphasized that Foden appeared to believe he could act without facing consequences. His involvement with the National Education Union and his role as a position of authority at his former school were highlighted as factors that facilitated his breach of trust. Foden's predatory behavior included driving girls to secluded areas, expressing affection, and sending messages with sexual content. Following his conviction, Foden has been remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for July 1. One victim's statement reflected the chilling experience, saying, 'He would say he loved me. After a while it got a bit more sexual... so the text messages would be like, what he wanted to do to me.'