Headteacher Neil Foden Charged with Child Sex Abuse Offences

Neil Frederick Foden, a 66-year-old headteacher from the Old Colwyn area in Gwynedd, has been formally charged with several sexual offences. The charges levied against him include adult abuse of a position of trust, sexual activity with a child, sexual assault on a child, and engaging in sexual communications with a child. Foden’s initial appearance was in Llandudno Magistrates Court on September 8th. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled for another court appearance at a forthcoming date.

Details emerging from the court revealed that Mr. Foden is charged with sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15, sexual communication with a child, adult abuse of a position of trust, and sexual activity with a girl aged 13-17.During the proceedings, no application was made for his bail.

In light of these developments, Gwynedd Council has taken prompt action. A spokesperson for Gwynedd Council shared, “We have been informed about the arrest and subsequent charge of a staff member from a Gwynedd school by the North Wales Police. Following our school’s employment procedures, the individual in question, Mr. Foden, has been suspended from his post. This suspension will remain effective until the conclusion of all ongoing investigations. We want to assure the public that we are rigorously following all the requisite child protection procedures.”

The council, at this stage, refrained from further comments, stating the importance of not jeopardising the ongoing processes.

Apart from his role as a headteacher, Neil Foden was notably the Executive Member for Wales at the National Education Union (NEU). In the wake of the charges, he has been suspended from his position by Cyngor Gwynedd. The NEU, while declining to issue a detailed statement, did confirm that Foden is no longer affiliated with the union.

Neil Foden’s next court appearance is slated for 9 October at Caernarfon Crown Court.